McDonnell Douglas's aircraft series

 McDonnell Douglas, formed by the merger of McDonnell Aircraft and Douglas Aircraft Company in 1967, produced a variety of notable commercial and military aircraft. Here’s a detailed overview of the main series of aircraft produced by McDonnell Douglas:

Commercial Aircraft

DC Series

• DC-8
  • Description: A four-engine long-range narrow-body jet airliner.
  • First Flight: 1958.
  • Production End: 1972.
  • Notable Features: Competed with the Boeing 707; some are still in use as freighters.
• DC-9
  • Description: A twin-engine short-range jet airliner.
  • First Flight: 1965.
  • Production End: 1982.
  • Notable Features: Designed for frequent short flights, featuring rear-mounted engines.
• DC-10
  • Description: A three-engine wide-body jet airliner.
  • First Flight: 1970.
  • Production End: 1989.
  • Notable Features: Known for its distinct engine placement and medium- to long-haul capabilities.

MD Series

• MD-80
  • Description: A series of twin-engine, short- to medium-range jet airliners.
  • First Flight: 1979.
  • Variants: Includes MD-81, MD-82, MD-83, MD-87, and MD-88.
  • Seating Capacity: 130 to 172 passengers.
• MD-90
  • Description: An upgraded version of the MD-80 with a longer fuselage and new engines.
  • First Flight: 1993.
  • Production End: 2000.
  • Notable Features: Improved fuel efficiency and noise reduction.
• MD-11
  • Description: A three-engine wide-body jet airliner, an evolution of the DC-10.
  • First Flight: 1990.
  • Production End: 2000.
  • Notable Features: Stretched fuselage and advanced cockpit design, reducing crew requirements.

MD-95

• Description: The last evolution of the DC-9, marketed as the Boeing 717 after the merger with Boeing.
• First Flight: 1995.
• Production End: 2006.

Military Aircraft

• F-4 Phantom II
  • Description: A tandem two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor and fighter-bomber.
  • First Flight: 1960.
  • Notable Features: Used extensively during the Vietnam War; known for versatility.
• F-15 Eagle
  • Description: A twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter designed for air superiority.
  • First Flight: 1972.
  • Notable Features: Renowned for its speed and agility.
• AV-8B Harrier II
  • Description: A vertical/short takeoff and landing (VSTOL) jet.
  • First Flight: 1981.
  • Notable Features: Used by the U.S. Marine Corps and capable of operating from smaller ships.
• KC-10 Extender
  • Description: A military aerial refuelling tanker aircraft.
  • First Flight: 1980.
  • Notable Features: Based on the DC-10 design, it supports air operations by refuelling aircraft in flight.
• C-9 Skytrain II
  • Description: A military transport aircraft based on the DC-9.
  • First Flight: 1968.
  • Notable Features: Used for cargo and personnel transport.

McDonnell Douglas's aircraft legacy is marked by innovation and a wide range of applications, from commercial air travel to military operations, significantly impacting aviation history.