The Jumbo Twin

American Airlines need for a smaller wiedebody design were so urgent, that specifications were sent out to Lockheed and Douglas for design proposals. Following requirements had to be met:

*Twin-engined design
*Ability to transport 250 passengers (all economy) and 5000 lb (2268 kg) cargo over a distance of 3420 km (1850 nautical miles)
*Ability to meet all this requirements on the route between New York/ La Guardia and Chicago/ O'Hare

The requirement to operate from and to La Guardia was the most challenging part. Runway strenght and size set limits to the maximum take-off weight. Although Douglas met the specifications very close with a design called D-966, they took a look at larger aircraft which would offer better sale chances. In 1967, these specifications were improved again after the twin-engined design was dropped.



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