Aircraft Type
McDonnell Douglas MD-83 “Mad Dog”
The McDonnell Douglas MD-83 is a narrow-body, medium-haul commercial passenger aircraft that was a popular member of the MD-80 series, known for its reliability and efficiency in short to medium-range routes during the 1980s and 1990s.
IATAM83ICAOMD83ManufacturerMcDonnell DouglasScore5.40/10Range4,635 kmStatusIn Production
Representing the pinnacle of McDonnell Douglas' narrow-body aircraft design, the MD-83 was widely used by airlines for its fuel efficiency and improved performance compared to earlier DC-9 variants
The MD-83 earned the affectionate nickname 'Mad Dog' among pilots and aviation enthusiasts, and was a workhorse for many airlines before being gradually replaced by more modern Airbus and Boeing narrow-body aircraft
Cabin Environment
How the McDonnell Douglas MD-83 affects jetlag recovery
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
45.02 m
Length
32.85 m
Wingspan
11.76 m
Height
Performance
4,635 km
Range
850 km/h
Cruise Speed
2× Pratt & Whitney JT8D
Engines
McDonnell Douglas Family
Related aircraft variants
How It Compares
vs. Boeing 737-800
✓Slightly longer range of 4635 km compared to 737-800's typical range of around 4400 km
✗Less modern technology and newer fleet compared to the Boeing 737-800
vs. Airbus A320
✓Potentially lower cabin noise at 75 dB compared to A320's typical noise levels
✗Less fuel-efficient and older design compared to the more modern A320
vs. Boeing 757-200
✓Similar passenger capacity (172 max passengers) with potentially more efficient operations
✗Older aircraft design with less advanced aerodynamics and engine technology