McDonnell Douglas MD-11F · PlaneSpot

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SoonerAlum93 🌵

05 Aug 2026 · © SoonerAlum93

Enjoying retirement at PHX!

Spotting

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3 likes 2 comments

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SoonerAlum93 · 06 Aug 2026

Thanks

Avgeek · 05 Aug 2026

Great spot!

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McDonnell Douglas MD-11F

Aircraft

UPS Worldwide Services

Airline

Manufacturer

McDonnell Douglas

Gear

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Apple iPhone 15 Pro back triple camera 9mm f/2.8

Achievements

Cargo King, Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Golden Hour Glory, Winglet Watcher

5 badges earned

Photo grade

B

Bronze

Score: 76.0

Classic MD-11F is well captured, but some foreground clutter and mild softness reduce overall impact.

Location

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

PHX/KPHX

33.4353, -112.0060

Open map

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport PHX

Insights

Aviation History

The MD-11 is one of the last large tri-jets, introduced in 1990 as the successor to the DC-10. It is mainly utilized for cargo operations in the 21st century.

Fleet Rarity

UPS is one of the largest remaining MD-11F operators, but fewer than 100 airframes are active globally (all cargo).

Record Flights

The MD-11 was used on long-haul international cargo flights; it no longer flies passenger routes with major airlines.

Safety & Events

Some hull-loss accidents in both passenger and freighter service; most passenger MD-11s retired by 2016.

Future Outlook

Expected gradual phase-out through 2030s as more efficient freighters enter service.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney PW4460 or General Electric CF6-80C2D1F (UPS uses both variant engines)

Engine

51.7 m

Wingspan

61.2 m

Length

6,840 km

Range

876 km/h

Speed

Maximum payload: 92,605 kg

Capacity

286,000 kg

MTOW

17.6 m

Height

Each engine: ~267 kN (60,000 lbf)

Thrust

Approaches ICAO Stage 4, ~95-103 dB (varies on config)

Noise