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Post by Klaus Hullermann on Jan 2, 2015 6:20:59 GMT
Hi there!
Can somebody explain me the difference(s) between the DC-9-30 and the DC-9-30 ReFan?
I know that they use different engines and the diameter of the JT8D-109 is bigger, but there must have been more differences (specifications, etc.).
Or were the -30 ReFan some kind of intermediate 'stage' between the DC-9 and MD-8x (the JT8D-107 designation is between the JT8D-x and JT8D-200 of the MD-8x)?
Klaus
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Post by aerofoto - HJG Admin on Jan 2, 2015 9:15:26 GMT
It was a cost shared development project between NASA, McDONNELL-DOUGLAS, and PRATT & WHITNEY back in the early-to-mid 1970's aimed at developing quieter and more fuel efficient engines .... in the form of the P&W JT109 turbofan (16,000 LBS thrust, high bi-pass, reduced fuel burn, and lower noise) ..... "IF" I recall correctly.
The P&W JT109 might have later evolved into the engine type which eventually poweeed the MD80's .... BUT .... I'm not sure.
Only 1 DC9-30 was fitted with this particular engine and for tyhe flight testing program .... N54638 .... and which was flown from Yuma, Arizona, USA, over 3 momth period during early 1975.
Upo the conclusion of the test program this particular aircraft was reconfiured with standard Dc9-type P&W JT8D-9 engines and then sold/delivered to INEX ADRIA AIWAYS as YU-AJR on February 28th 1976 .... and became the aircraft which collided with the BEA TRIDENT over Zagreb, Yuogslavia, on September 19th 1976 with a loss of everyone aboard both aircraft.
Mark C
AKL/NZ
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Post by Klaus Hullermann on Jan 2, 2015 12:46:16 GMT
Mark, I knew that you would reply. Since the ReFan niner were reconfigurated back to the original JT8D-9s, I assume the data from those test-flights with the -109 weren't good enough for making an option for converting niners with these JT8D-100s. Perhaps MDD didn't want to risk any 'in-house rival' for the coming MD-8x, but according to the following webpage the MD-81 were announced not before 1977. Klaus PS: Be aware that the webpage is in German only! |
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Post by aerofoto - HJG Admin on Jan 2, 2015 17:04:07 GMT
So far as I'm aware ....
The tests were very successfui, but, it was only "a deviopment project" .... in that there was no intention to ever convert/upgrade or build DC9's with this particular engine specification.
If I can dind ou more i'll report back here.
Mark C
AKL/NZ
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Post by Klaus Hullermann on Jan 2, 2015 18:03:48 GMT
It would be nice to hear/read more about this testbed niner. If you don't find something, then it's ok by me.
Klaus
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