Fedex MD-11 Pax Window Question? — Tech Ops Forum

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Fedex MD-11 Pax Window Question?

LEEDS19 From United Arab Emirates, joined May 2008, 92 posts, RR: 0
Posted (2 years 7 months 3 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 3383 times:

I just happened to notice today on close inspection of N619FE that this Aircraft has passenger windows but is not a converted passenger Aircraft.Why would this be? Photo below shows clearly.

I am thinking maybe if the US Gvmt needed to use them as troop carriers in emergency/wartime situations or for leasing out to charter operators.

Or was it a production issue where all fuselages were built the same to save on costs maybe?

In many years of seeing these birds had never noticed this before.

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Photo © Tong Xian

2 replies: All unread, jump to last

BMIFlyer From UK - England, joined Feb 2004, 8810 posts, RR: 62
Reply 1, posted (2 years 7 months 3 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 3308 times:

Quoting LEEDS19 (Thread starter):
Or was it a production issue where all fuselages were built the same to save on costs maybe?

I'm certain the reason was cost / convenience.

I'm guessing it was easier to build a passenger fuselage, then plug the windows, rather than build a dedicated non window "F" fuselage. I could be wrong, maybe someone on the other side of the pond can correct me if so

Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own

na From Germany, joined Dec 1999, 9614 posts, RR: 10
Reply 2, posted (2 years 7 months 3 weeks 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 3113 times:

As much as I know all MD11Fs have plugged windows. A cost-saving measure - in building. but certainly not in service. It makes the surface slightly uneven and that´ll cost a penalty in fuel.