McDonnell Douglas MD-11F

4d ago · © Judge Dredd

Western Global Airlines MD-11F (N781SN) performs a classic smoky touchdown, capturing the trijet's enduring appeal in cargo service.

1 likes 2 comments

Comments (2)

Judge Dredd · 3d ago

She arrived at Richmond air base almost unannounced I was waiting for a C17 that never arrived, today at Sydney I caught her again cause apparently the runway at Richmond was too short for her to fill up so she went to YSSY to fuel to the brim, I’ll put the pic up tomorrow after I sort through the pics I took today

Siliconserver · 4d ago

What a beautiful and rare bird.

More like this

Aircraft

MD-11F MD11

Western Global Airlines

N781SN

Registration

Airline

KD*

Western Global Airlines

WGN / KD*

Manufacturer

McDonnell Douglas

Gear

FUJIFILM X-S10 XC 50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS II

Achievements

Cargo King, Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Runway Royalty, Ultra-Long-Haul, Winglet Watcher

6 badges earned

Photo grade

Silver

Score: 89.0

Spectacular touchdown! The tire smoke and crisp angle make this Western Global MD-11F shot dramatic and dynamic.

Location

Main Compound

RAAF Base Richmond · XRH/YSRI

-33.6047, 150.7830

Open map

RAAF Base Richmond XRH

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

One of the few remaining active MD-11 freighters; the MD-11 was the last widebody trijet built and once a popular long-haul aircraft with passenger and cargo airlines.

Fleet Rarity

Western Global Airlines operates one of the largest remaining MD-11 fleets; fewer than 120 MD-11s remain active worldwide as cargo aircraft.

Record Flights

The MD-11 has been used for long-haul transcontinental and transoceanic cargo flights, but no specific record flights are associated with this frame.

Safety & Events

There have been various MD-11 incidents in its history, notably challenging landing characteristics, but this frame is not associated with a specific notable event.

Future Outlook

As a dedicated freighter, this MD-11F is likely to remain in cargo service for several more years before eventual retirement or conversion to spare parts.

Specifications

General Electric CF6-80C2D1F

Engine

51.7 meters

Wingspan

61.2 meters

Length

6,630 km

Range

876 km/h

Speed

Cargo: 91,000 kg

Capacity

286,000 kg

MTOW

17.6 meters

Height

62,000 lbf (276 kN) per engine

Thrust

Stage 3/Chapter 3 (ICAO)

Noise