The advanced technical successor to both the DC 9 and MD 80, the MD 90, was launched in 1989 and entered passenger service with Delta Air Lines in April, 1995. Four and a half feet longer than the MD-88, it allowed for ten more passenger seats. Unlike any of its forebears the MD 90 is powered by International Aero Engines V2500 turbofans rated at 11.1 kN (2,500 lb) take off thrust and has a non stop range of 3,862km (2,082nm) with full payload.
The MD-90 made its first flight on 22 February 1993, three days ahead of schedule. The aircraft took off from the main runway at Long Beach Municipal Airport at 9.44am for a 4 hr 56 min flight.
During 1991, McDonnell Douglas received 27 MD-80/90 orders.
McDonnell-Douglas MD-90 Article
The MD 90 was selected in 1992 as the China Trunkliner for domestic and regional routes. In 1994, an amended co production agreement for 40 aircraft was signed by McDonnell Douglas and the China National Aero Technology Import and Export Corporation. This agreement called for the production of 20 MD 90s in Shanghai and the direct sale of 20 aircraft from Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach. With the merger of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas the co production agreement was cancelled.
Boeing announced that it will discontinue both the MD-80 and MD-90 series in January 2000. The MD series of aircraft evolved into what became the Boeing 717.
MD-90
Engines two 25,000- lb. International Aero V2525D5 turbofans
Gross wt. 156,000 lb
Empty wt. 88,000 lb
Cruise speed 437 kts
Range 2,085- 3,022 nm
Seats 141-187
All Aero 