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Boeing 787-8 vs. McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30

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787-8

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DC-10-30

Price (USD)
$224 Million$25 Million
First Flight
20091972
Body Type
Wide-bodyWide-body
Length
56 m186 ft
55 m181 ft
Wingspan
60 m197 ft
50 m165 ft
Wing Area
377 m²4,058 ft²
338 m²3,646 ft²
Fuselage Width
5 m18 ft
6 m19 ft
Height
16 m55 ft
17 m57 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
227,900 kg502,433 lbs
251,744 kg555,001 lbs
Number of Engines
23
Engine Options
General Electric GEnx / Rolls-Royce Trent 1000General Electric CF6
Max Thrust Per Engine
280 kN64,000 lbf
226 kN51,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
560 kN128,000 lbf
680 kN102,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
126,200 l33,339 gal
137,509 l36,326 gal
Range
13,620 km7,354 nm
9,600 km5,184 nm
Cruise Speed
903 km/h561 mph
908 km/h564 mph
Typical Seating
242 pax270 pax
Max Seating
381 pax380 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 787-8 and McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30

Boeing 787-8 vs McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 Size Comparison

  • At 56.70 meters, the Boeing 787-8 is 1.30 meters longer than the McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30.
  • With a wingspan of 60.10 meters, the Boeing 787-8 is 9.70 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 787-8 and McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 have heights of 16.90 meters and 17.60 meters respectively - making the McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 0.70 meters taller.

Boeing 787-8 vs McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 Range

  • Boeing 787-8’s range of 13,620 kilometers is greater than McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30’s range of 9,600 kilometers. Therefore, the Boeing 787-8 can fly nonstop approximately 4,020 kilometers further.
  • The McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 can hold 36,326 gallons of fuel, which is 2,987 gallons more than the Boeing 787-8’s tank capacity of 33,339 gallons.

Boeing 787-8 vs McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 can accommodate 270 passengers, which is about 28 passengers more than Boeing 787-8’s seating capacity.
  • The Boeing 787-8’s max seating capacity is 381 passengers, compared to 380 passengers of the McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30.

About the Boeing 787-8

The Boeing 787-8, as the first variant of the revolutionary 787 Dreamliner series, marked a new chapter in commercial aviation when it took to the skies in 2009. This modern wide-body twinjet made its introduction into commercial aviation in 2011 with All Nippon Airways. Since then, the entire Dreamliner family has been pivotal for efficient, point-to-point routes.

Spanning 56.7 meters (186.1 feet) in length with a wingspan of 60.1 meters (197.2 feet), the 787-8 is distinguished by its sleek and aerodynamic design. The aircraft boasts a wing area of 377.0 square meters (4058.0 square feet), which plays a critical role in its fuel-efficient performance. One of the most notable features of the 787-8 is its extensive use of composite materials, including carbon fiber reinforced polymer, accounting for a significant portion of its primary structure. This use of advanced materials results in a lighter airframe, leading to reductions in fuel consumption and operational costs, while also enhancing structural strength and durability. From the outside, 787s are discernible by their rounded noses, raked wingtips, and engine chevrons (serrated edges).

Equipped with either General Electric GEnx or Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, the 787-8 offers a total maximum thrust of 560.0 kN (128,000 lbf). These engines, combined with the aircraft's optimized aerodynamics, enable it to achieve a range of approximately 13,620 kilometers (7,354 nautical miles). This extended range, coupled with its fuel efficiency, makes the 787-8 a viable option for airlines to operate long-haul flights with lower environmental impact.

Inside, the Boeing 787-8 typically seats 242 passengers in a standard three-class configuration, but it can accommodate up to 381 passengers in a high-density setup. The cabin of the 787-8 has been designed with passenger comfort at its core, featuring larger windows that are electronically dimmable, higher humidity levels, and a lower cabin altitude pressure. These features significantly enhance the passenger experience, particularly on long-duration flights, by reducing fatigue and improving overall comfort.

The 787-8 competes in the commercial aviation market with aircraft such as the Airbus A330-900neo. Its introduction was a strategic move by Boeing to provide airlines with an aircraft that combines operational efficiency with advanced passenger comfort amenities. The aircraft's innovative design and environmental considerations have made it a preferred choice for various airlines, including All Nippon Airways, United Airlines, Air Canada, Etihad Airways, and LATAM Chile. These carriers have utilized the 787-8's capabilities to effectively serve a broad range of international and transcontinental routes.

The development and deployment of the Boeing 787-8 have been characterized by a shift towards more sustainable and efficient air travel. Its use of cutting-edge materials, coupled with state-of-the-art systems, represents a significant advancement in aircraft design. As a result, the 787-8 has set new standards in terms of operational efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced passenger comfort, thereby playing a pivotal role in the evolution of modern long-haul aviation.

About the McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30

The McDonnel Douglas DC-10-30, is a wide-body trijet airliner designed for long-haul commercial flights. As a member of the DC-10 series, the DC-10-30 was developed to extend the range and capacity of its predecessors, meeting the growing demands of global air travel. The -10-30 was a later, longer range model, and turned out to be the most variant produced. In addition to being a popular passenger aircraft, the DC-10 was also extensively used in the freight industry during its peak.

One of the DC-10's most distinctive features is its three engine configuration, with two engines mounted under the wings and a third engine at the base of the vertical stabilizer. This design was a key differentiator from other wide-body airliners of its time, such as the Boeing 747. The DC-9 made its first flight on August 29, 1970, and was introduced to the commercial aviation market on August 5, 1971 with American Airlines.

Measuring 55.4 meters (181.6 feet) in length, the DC-10-30 was among the larger aircraft of its time, capable of operating on transatlantic and transpacific routes. The aircraft features a wingspan of 50.4 meters (165.3 feet), which supports its long-range flight capabilities and stability at high altitudes. Equipped to hold over 137,500 liters (36,320 US gallons) of fuel, the DC-10-30 was designed for extended range missions, offering a maximum range of 9,600 kilometers (5,184 nautical miles). This capability enabled airlines to operate non-stop intercontinental flights over vast distances. The aircraft's propulsion system consists of 3 GE CF6-50C engines capable of delivering a combined thrust of 680.6 kN (102,000 lbf), providing the power needed for long-haul flights carrying a full complement of passengers and cargo. The DC-10-30's cruise speed of 908 km/h (564 mph) further underscores its efficiency in covering great distances swiftly.

The typical configuration for the DC-10-30 seats up to 270 passengers. Some airliners opted for higher density layouts including 3-4-2, 2-5-2, and 3-3-3. In the market for wide-body aircraft, the McDonnel Douglas DC-10-30 competed with other long-range airliners like the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar and the Boeing 747. The DC-10-30's introduction was a significant contribution to the wide-body aircraft segment, providing airlines with a versatile option for long-haul, high-capacity routes. Prominent operators of the DC-10-30 included airlines such as Continental Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, and Northwest Airlines. Other notable carriers were KLM, British Airways, Iberia, Lufthansa, and Malaysia Airlines.

The McDonnel Douglas DC-10-30's production and operational history reflect its role as a key player in the evolution of long-haul air travel. Its design, performance, and capacity made it a vital asset in the fleets of global airlines, contributing to the expansion and accessibility of international air travel during a critical period of growth in commercial aviation.

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Values shown may not be 100% accurate, as some metrics are averages or only represent certain production years and configurations. Engine specs are based on the best options available.

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