McDonnell Douglas MD-90
McDonnell Douglas · jet, 2 engines · ICAO MD90
The McDonnell Douglas MD-90 has the longest wheelbase and the 3rd-greatest length in Design Group III (77 types). Within the 7-variant MD-80, MD-90 and 717 line it has the greatest length. The runner-up in wheelbase, the McDonnell Douglas MD-81, trails by 6.6%. The MD-90’s FAA reference approach speed, 141 kt, the input that sets its Approach Category, sits exactly on the 141 kt floor of Category D. The FAA lists it in two approach categories, C and D, from reference speeds of 138 to 141 kt.
Airport design codes
- III
Design Group III. Set by wingspan and tail height alike.
- D
Approach Category D. Band: 141 to 165 kt.
Gear and weights
| Cockpit to main gear | 77.2 ft | 23.5 m |
|---|---|---|
| Span-to-length ratio | 0.71 | |
| Max. takeoff weight | 156,000 lb | 70,760 kg |
| Max. landing weight | 137,000 lb | 62,142 kg |
| Main gear code | D | |
| Taxiway Design Group | 4 | |
| ICAO wake category | Medium |
Where it sits
The MD-90 also has the 4th-lowest wingspan-to-length ratio in Design Group III (77 types), and the joint 3rd-tallest tail among the 11 McDonnell Douglas types. By length it falls between the Boeing 707-300 and the Airbus A400M Atlas.
Main gear 20.4 ft wide (6.2 m), 19% of the span; wheelbase 77.2 ft (23.5 m), 51% of the length.
US records: no US flight-plan operations in FY2024; 38 on the US register.
One of 7 variants on the MD-80, MD-90 and 717 page.
Closest in size on this site
- McDonnell Douglas MD-90
- McDonnell Douglas MD-81
- McDonnell Douglas MD-82
- McDonnell Douglas MD-83
Source: FAA Aircraft Characteristics Database, October 2024 release. How we measure.