The Boeing 717: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction: The American Narrow-Body Airliner
The Boeing 717 is an American five-abreast narrow-body airliner produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Developed for the 100-seat market, the twin-engine airliner was originally a McDonnell Douglas design known as the MD-95. Boeing acquired McDonnell Douglas in 1997, and the aircraft entered commercial service in 1999 with AirTran Airways.
Design and Features
The Boeing 717 is an all-metal, low-wing airliner featuring a T-tail and slender, slightly swept wings. The aircraft has a distinctive mounting of its drives on the fuselage rear and is equipped with a retractable stairway for the L1 door.
Technical Specifications
The Boeing 717 has a wingspan of 28.4 meters, a length of 37.5 meters, and a height of 9.3 meters. Powered by two Rolls-Royce BR715 engines, it has a cruising speed of 830 kilometers per hour and a range of approximately 2,200 kilometers.
Safety Record and Notable Incidents
The Boeing 717 has a strong safety record, with no fatal accidents involving passengers or crew. However, during stall testing of the aircraft (formerly known as the MD-95), it departed controlled flight, resulting in a stall, roll, and inversion.
Market and Usage
The Boeing 717 was initially marketed by McDonnell Douglas but later became part of Boeing's product line. It was primarily used by low-cost airlines, including AirTran Airways, Southwest Airlines, and Midwest Airlines. Production of the 717 ceased in 2006, with a total of 156 aircraft built.
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