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 intended for flights over short and medium distances, therefore it is widely used for regular transport between European cities. The great popularity of this airliner can be explained by the economy of operation and small dimensions.
Production start
In November 1983, the Fokker-100 model design process was officially launched. Feedback from representatives of companies that had previously used aircraft from this manufacturer indicated that the main requirement for the new product was to reduce fuel consumption. In this regard, engineers improved the wing by using a highly efficient aerodynamic profile in its design. Such an idea allowed to significantly increase the cruising characteristics of the machine.
In 1987, the Fokker-100 passed certification in the Netherlands, and two years later in the United States. An interesting fact is that it was because of this model that the leading US manufacturer Boeing was forced to abandon the creation of its own liner, designed to carry 100 people. The fact is that leading American airlines made their choice in favor of the Dutch aircraft, whose regular deliveries to the United States began in February 1988.
Historical information
The designed airliner was originally designated as the Super F-28. In its design and layout, it closely resembled the F-28 Fellowship. In addition, the issue of borrowing some solutions from the F-29 version was considered. In this case, we are talking about the location of the engines under the wings on the pylons. Be that as it may, the designers settled on the layout of the rear compartment of the fuselage. As a result, this allowed more efficient use of all the advantages of the developed wing. Thanks to this, the flight itself became more quiet and calm. Representatives of the British company Short and the German company Deutsche Aerospace took part in the development. The first flight tests of new items were made at the end of November 1986.
After the Fokker-100 passed certification, a 70-seat modification was developed on its basis, which was called Fokker-70. Some time later, engineers also began to create a version with an elongated fuselage and more powerful motors. The project was called Fokker-130. This airliner was designed to provide passenger transportation in the amount of 116 to 137. In addition to all this, aviation companies had the opportunity to purchase the Fokker-100QC cargo-passenger model, which was capable of transporting up to eleven LD3 containers.
Management Systems and Security
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, a complex of digital avionics of the EFIS brand, which was manufactured by the American company Collins, is installed here. It complies with the ARINC 700 standard. All information related to flight parameters, operation 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 diagnostic system for the status of all systems.
Characteristics
Each aircraft uses two turbojet engines from Rolls-Royce of the brand Tay Mk.620 or Tay Mk.650-15. The traction force 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 wingspan is 28.8 m. The take-off load of the machine is 45 810 tons.
Salon Features
Absolutely all the seats in the cabin have a width of 43 centimeters. As for the distance between the rows, it is similar to most models of the economy class. It should be noted that it is much more comfortable to sit on the left side of the Fokker-100. The interior layout, located below, is a vivid confirmation of this. As you can see in the photo, there are two sections on this side, while on the right there are three.
The first row is characterized by the presence of more space, which is associated with a certain distance from the partition. In addition, its advantage is the fact that the front passenger does not tilt back the back of his seat. However, there is one drawback associated with the close location from the on-board kitchen. Due to the location near the emergency hatches, the seatbacks of the eleventh and twelfth row are locked. Closer to the rear, a strong engine noise is heard. There is no need to talk about any conveniences for passengers sitting on the last (22nd) row. The fact is that, among other things, the backs of chairs here abut against the wall of the toilet. However, as noted above, these airliners fly not very long distances, so the inconvenience will not last long. As for the most comfortable places, they are in the fourteenth row.