MD-80, MD-90 and 717 family
The MD-80, MD-90 and 717 line on this site has seven variants. Length runs from the 717-200 to the MD-90, a spread of 28.6 ft (23.1%). Two different wingspans appear across the line. Maximum takeoff weight grows by 35.6% from the lightest variant to the heaviest. The variants spread over Design Group III and Approach Categories C and D.
The 717-200 has the lowest tail among the 39 Boeing types. The MD-90 has the longest wheelbase, the 3rd-greatest length and the 4th-lowest wingspan-to-length ratio in Design Group III (77 types). The MD-90’s FAA reference approach speed, 141 kt, the input for its Approach Category, sits on the 141 kt floor of Category D. The MD-83 has the joint 5th-highest FAA reference approach speed among the 77 types in Design Group III (the input for its Approach Category).
Every variant, shortest first
| Variant | Wingspan | Length | Tail height | Max. takeoff weight | Codes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 717-200 | 93.3 ft | 124.0 ft | 29.7 ft | 118,000 lb | III-C |
| McDonnell Douglas MD-87 | 107.9 ft | 130.4 ft | 31.2 ft | 149,500 lb | III-C |
| McDonnell Douglas MD-81 | 107.9 ft | 147.8 ft | 30.2 ft | 140,000 lb | III-C |
| McDonnell Douglas MD-82 | 107.9 ft | 147.8 ft | 30.2 ft | 149,500 lb | III-C |
| McDonnell Douglas MD-83 | 107.9 ft | 147.8 ft | 30.2 ft | 160,000 lb | III-D |
| McDonnell Douglas MD-88 | 107.9 ft | 147.8 ft | 30.2 ft | 149,500 lb | III-C |
| McDonnell Douglas MD-90 | 107.9 ft | 152.6 ft | 31.2 ft | 156,000 lb | III-D |
The MD-81, the MD-82, the MD-83 and the MD-88 publish identical dimensions.
More from the line
The FAA lists the MD-90 in two approach categories, C and D.
Source: FAA Aircraft Characteristics Database, October 2024 release. How we measure.