The Boeing MD-10 is a freighter aircraft based on the McDonnell Douglas MD-11, which was originally developed as a wide-body, tri-jet airliner. The MD-10 is essentially a modified version of the MD-11, converted for dedicated cargo operations by removing the passenger interior and adapting the aircraft for freight use. The MD-10 is a key aircraft for cargo carriers, offering large cargo capacity, a robust airframe, and modernized avionics.

The primary difference between the MD-11 and MD-10 is the cockpit. The MD-10 features a "glass" cockpit, which simplifies the flight deck and removes the need for a flight engineer, making it similar to the more modern Boeing 757 and 767 freighter versions. This conversion significantly reduced operational costs by allowing a two-person cockpit crew instead of a three-person crew.

The MD-10 is mainly used by express cargo carriers, most notably FedEx, where it serves as an integral part of their fleet, replacing older aircraft and improving efficiency in transporting large volumes of cargo.

Key Specifications (MD-10)

• Crew: 2 (Pilots).
• Capacity: Maximum payload capacity of ~85,000 kg (187,000 lbs).
• Length: 70.7 m (232 ft 3 in).
• Wingspan: 51.7 m (169 ft 9 in).
• Height: 15.5 m (50 ft 9 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 590,000 lbs (267,620 kg).
• Engines: 3 × General Electric CF6-80C2 turbofan engines.
• Cruise Speed: Mach 0.80 (~850 km/h or 528 mph).
• Range: ~3,300 miles (5,300 km).
• Ceiling: 35,000 ft (10,668 m).

Notable Features

• Glass Cockpit: The MD-10 features a modernized glass cockpit, which eliminates the need for a flight engineer, reducing crew size and operational costs.
• Large Cargo Hold: The MD-10 retains the wide-body fuselage of the MD-11, providing a significant amount of space for large and heavy freight.
• Efficient for Cargo Operations: Designed specifically for freight, the MD-10 can carry a large variety of cargo, including oversized and irregularly shaped items, and is equipped with a rear cargo door for easy loading and unloading.
• High Utilization: The MD-10 is designed for high utilization and long-range cargo flights, making it an efficient choice for express freight services.
• FedEx Usage: The MD-10 is a crucial part of FedEx's fleet, providing cost-effective, reliable cargo transport on domestic and international routes.

Operators & Usage

• FedEx: The primary operator of the MD-10, where it plays a vital role in their global cargo network, often replacing older aircraft models like the DC-10 in the fleet.
• International Cargo Operators: Some international operators use the MD-10 for dedicated freighter services, though FedEx remains the dominant user of this aircraft.
• Military and Other Operators: While the MD-10 is primarily used for civilian cargo services, a few modified aircraft have seen limited use by military and government agencies for specialized cargo missions.