MD83

The MD-83 is a variant of the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series, a twin-engine, single-aisle jet airliner used for short- to medium-range passenger flights. It was developed as a stretched, upgraded version of the MD-82 to provide more seating and higher payload without requiring a new airframe concept. The MD-83 retains the MD-80’s rear-mounted engines, conventional tail, and two-crew cockpit, while incorporating a longer fuselage to accommodate additional passengers.

In design terms, the MD-83 uses improvements within the MD-80 family, including a higher maximum takeoff weight and aerodynamic refinements that aimed to enhance performance on mid-range routes. It is powered by the JT8D-series engines and shares common type certification with other MD-80 variants, allowing shared pilot training and maintenance practices with its siblings.

Operationally, the MD-83 was widely deployed by airlines around the world for domestic and regional services. It offered the familiar economics of the MD-80 family, with a balance of capacity and range suitable for mid-traffic routes. As fleets aged and newer aircraft entered service, many operators retired or reconfigured MD-83s, though some airframes remained in service longer or were converted for cargo operations by various operators.

Variants and relation: The MD-83 is one member of the MD-80 family, which also includes MD-81, MD-82, and MD-88. A later derivative, the MD-90, emerged as a separate development based on the MD-80 airframe but with distinct design elements.