Fokker-100 - one of the most popular aircraft in Europe

The Fokker-100 airliner is a medium-range passenger aircraft, which was developed by the company of the same name from the Netherlands. In Europe, this model is considered one of the most common. It is designed for small and medium-distance flights, so it is widely used for regular transportation between European cities. Explain the great popularity of this airliner can be economical operation and small dimensions.

Production start

In November 1983, the process of designing the Fokker-100 was officially launched. Feedback from representatives of companies that previously used aircraft from this manufacturer, showed that the main requirement for the novelty was to reduce fuel consumption. In this regard, engineers have improved the wing by using a highly effective aerodynamic profile in its design. This idea has significantly increased the cruising characteristics of the car.

In 1987, the Fokker-100 aircraft passed mandatory certification in the Netherlands, and two years later - and in the US. An interesting fact is that precisely because of this model, the leading American manufacturer Boeing was forced to abandon the creation of its own liner, designed to transport 100 people. The matter is that the leading American airlines made their choice in favor of the Dutch aircraft, whose regular supplies to the United States began in February 1988.

Historical background

The projected airliner was originally designated as Super F-28. By its design and layout, it strongly resembled the model F-28 Fellowship. In addition, the issue of borrowing some of the solutions from version F-29 was considered. In this case, we are talking about the location of engines under the wings on the pylons. Whatever it was, the designers settled on the layout of the tail section of the fuselage. As a result, it allowed more efficient use of all the advantages of the developed wing. Thanks to this, the flight itself became quieter and quieter. Representatives of the British company "Short" and the German company "Deutsche Aerospace" took part in the development. The first flight tests of the novelty were made in late November 1986.

After Fokker-100 passed certification, on its basis a 70-seat modification was developed, which was called Fokker-70. Some time later, engineers also began to create a version with an extended fuselage and more powerful motors. The project was called Fokker-130. This airliner was designed to provide transportation of passengers in the number from 116 to 137. In addition, aviation companies were able to purchase a cargo and passenger model Fokker-100QC, which was able to transport up to eleven containers of brand LD3.

Control systems and safety

The Fokker-100 airliner boasts a high level of reliability and compliance with existing safety standards. This is achieved through the use of high-quality equipment. In particular, here is a set of digital avionics brand EFIS, which is produced by the American company Collins. It corresponds to the ARINC 700 standard. All information related to flight parameters, the functioning of engines and other on-board systems in the model, is displayed on six color monitors located in the cockpit. In addition, the Fokker-100 is equipped with a system for diagnosing the state of all systems.

Characteristics

Each aircraft uses two turbojet engines from Rolls-Royce Tay Mk.620 or Tay Mk.650-15. The thrust of each of them is 6290 kgf and 6850 kgf respectively. The cruising speed for this model is set at 855 km / h, and the flight range under the condition of maximum load is 2390 kilometers. The total length of the aircraft is 35.5 m, and the wing span is 28.8 m. The take-off load of the machine is 45 810 tons.

Interior Features

Absolutely all the seats in the cabin have a width of 43 centimeters. As for the distance between rows, it is similar to most economy class models. It should be noted that it is much more comfortable to sit on the left side of the Fokker-100. The interior layout below is a vivid confirmation of this. As you can see in the photo, in this side there are two sections, while on the right - three.

The first row is distinguished by the presence of more space, which is connected with some distance from the partition. In addition, its advantage is also the fact that in front of the seated passenger does not throw back the back of his chair. However, there is one drawback here, connected with a close accommodation from the onboard kitchen. Due to the location near the emergency hatches, the seat backs of the eleventh and twelfth row are locked. Closer to the tail part is heard a strong noise of the engines. About any amenities for passengers sitting on the last (22nd) row, you can not speak at all. The fact is that, among other things, the backs of the chairs here rest against the wall of the toilet. However, as noted above, these airliners do not fly very long distances, so the inconvenience will not last long. As for the most comfortable places, they are in the fourteenth row.