McDONNELL DOUGLAS (MDC) is canvassing MD-11 freight operators on proposed changes to the freighter configuration, which would meet new smoke-rules of the European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) and reduce maintenance costs.
The alterations would allow loads of up to 79,450kg, while producing a net reduction (of around 130kg) in empty weight.
The biggest change is the installation of a 9g rigid cargo barrier in place of a cargo net. MDC says that the rigid barrier would restrain 79,450kg (against 70,825kg with a webbed-net barrier), and allow more space for a crew rest area and other non-cargo uses.
Other proposed changes include, a 1min smoke detection system, as required by the JAA on all newly certificated freighters, in lieu of the current, 5min maximum detection time. The changes also include the elimination of all traces of the de-activated passenger-doors at the rear of the cabin, removal of one of three air-conditioning packs (for operators which do not carry livestock) and elimination of window plugs.
Another added feature includes a dual-redundant weight-and-balance system, which links to a tip-over alarm system and gives visual and aural warnings to crew if the aircraft's centre of gravity moves aft beyond pre-set limits and threatens to tip the aircraft on its tail during loading.
Boeing is due to start work on the first of two Malaysia Airlines 747-200 full freighter conversions in June. The second will arrive in July. Each modification will take four months.
Source: Flight International
