This is McDonnell Douglas artwork showing the MD-12X as it appeared in late 1991 during the design phase. While it looks much like the MD-11, it's clear that it's longer, the engines are larger and the note the wings are bigger with canoe-shaped flap actuator/track fairings instead of the characteristic external flap hinge fins used on the MD-11. On 25 October 1991, the McDonnell Douglas board of directors gave formal approval to start offering the MD-12X to prospective airline customers. Canted winglets based on those used on the MD-11 would appear on again, off again during this time period. Official renderings did not have them as it was felt the wingspan increase and larger wing would make them unnecessary by late 1991, but wind tunnel models from earlier in the year show winglets present. It was becoming rapidly apparent to McDonnell Douglas through 1991 that the MD-12X would not meet its range and payload targets using the same engines and wing as the MD-11. With a larger wing and engines came the opportunity for capacity increases- but further stretches of the fuselage would have left the MD-12X design longer than what would have been compatible than existing airport gate infrastructure which was sized around an aircraft the size of the 747-400. By the spring of 1992, the MD-12X would morph into a four engine double deck airliner marketed as the MD-12. #McDonnellDouglas #MD12 #MD12X #MD11 #Boeing #instagramaviation #splendid_transport #instaaviation #aviationlovers #aviationphotography #flight #AvGeeksAero #AvgeekSchoolofKnowledge #AvGeekNation https://www.instagram.com/sentinelchicken/p/CYDaod6rT4O/?utm_medium=tumblr
