Aircraft Factfile and Recognition Guide – Boeing 717

The 100 seat Boeing 717-200 twinjet was designed specifically for short range, high frequency flights. Since entering service in September 1999, with launch customer AirTran Airways, over 137 aircraft have been delivered and are operating in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America with ten airlines and operators. 155 aircraft have been ordered.  In January 2005, Boeing announced that it would end production of the 717 in mid-2006.

The aircraft was originally launched as the MD-95 in 1995 and was redesignated the Boeing 717 after the Boeing Company and McDonnell Douglas merged in 1997. The 717 has a distinctive appearance with low wing, rear mounted engines and a T-tail and is similar in size to its predecessor the DC-9-30. The wingspan is 28.4m and length is 37.98m. The maximum take-off weight is 49,895kg and the range is 2,648km.

The two-crew flight deck is equipped with an electronic flight information system (EFIS), with six interchangeable 8in x 8in (203 x 203mm) liquid crystal displays showing flight, navigation and systems status. The 717 is fitted with the advanced air flight control system (AFCS) installed on the MD-11 aircraft. The controls are mounted on the glareshield. The windscreen is fitted with an electrical de-icing system.

The overhead instrument panel is the cockpit integrated flight crew warning and alerting panel (IFWAP), equipped with four liquid crystal displays. A Honeywell Versatile Integrated Avionics VIA 2000 computer controls the avionics suite, which includes a Honeywell flight management system (FMS), a digital air data computer, a digital flight guidance system, an inertial reference system and a windshear detection system. An upgrade for the VIA system software will allow for a Head-Up Display (HUD) for the pilot. The upgrade is planned to receive certification by the end of 2003.  The aircraft has CAT IIIa capability. A program is underway for the installation of an improved global positioning system and other instruments for CAT III b certification.

The cabin interior is manufactured by the Austrian based company Fischer Advanced Composite Components. The cabin accommodates typically 106 seats in a two-class configuration with four-abreast first class and five-abreast standard class seating. The cabin is air conditioned with digital cabin air controllers and a Honeywell dual air cycle air conditioning using engine bleed air.  The underfloor baggage and cargo holds, capacity 26.5m, are equipped with a conveyor system and movable bulkheads.

The engine nacelles, manufactured by Goodrich, are mounted on the rear of the fuselage. The engine pylons manufactured by ShinMaywa Industries Inc are based on the design for the MD-80 aircraft but are thinner and are strengthened with an extra frame.  The engines are Rolls Royce Deutschland BR 715 A1-30 turbofan engines rated at 82.3 to 93.4kN. The high bypass ratio engines give very high fuel efficiency.  There are three fuel tanks of 13,904l capacity installed in the wing roots and in the centre section of the fuselage. Two auxiliary fuel tanks can be installed in the cargo holds in the under floor section increasing the fuel capacity to 16,667l. A fuel recirculation system prevents ice formation and build up on the wing.