Fokker -70 is an aircraft that was created in the Netherlands by the designers of the eponymous company in 1993. Its main purpose was the implementation of passenger air travel over short distances. During the operation of the model, the reputation of the so-called corporate aircraft was fixed to it.
Short story
Work on the creation of this airliner began in 1992. The main goal pursued by the company’s engineers was to replace the outdated F-28 jet aircraft with an efficient and modern model.
The Fokker-70 prototype made its debut flight from the airport in Wonsdrecht in 1993. After successfully completing the flight test program, the aircraft has established itself as an even less noisy and faster model than originally expected.
On October 14, 1994, the airliner received FAA and Netherlands certification. Ten days after this, Ford Motor Company received the first production aircraft of this modification.
First customers
The novelty was presented to the general public in June 1993 as part of an aviation exhibition in Paris. Even then, the manufacturer received a debut order for fifteen Fokker -70s from the Indonesian air carriers Sempati Air and Pelita Air Service.
Among the representatives of Europe, the British Midlands company became the first customer of the airliner, with which in November 1993 an agreement was signed for the long-term lease of five aircraft. A month later, the Dutch sold two airliners to the American company Mesa Air. In addition, the contract provided for the possibility of further purchase of six more cars.
Main characteristics
Aircraft Fokker -70 has a narrow fuselage and rather modest dimensions. In particular, its length is 30.91 meters and its height is 8.51 meters. At the same time, the wingspan of the airliner is 28.08 meters. The maximum take-off weight of the machine is set at 36.74 tons. The airliner is designed for the simultaneous transportation of no more than 79 passengers. The crew includes two people. The aircraft is able to fly over distances not exceeding 2 thousand kilometers.
The model is equipped with two Rolls-Royce Tay Mk.620 turbojet engines. The traction power of each of them is 6290 kgf. They are placed in the rear of the machine. The capacity of the fuel tanks is 9640 liters. The practical ceiling is limited to 10,700 meters. The cruising speed of the ship is 850 km / h.
The aircraft uses the avionics of the Collins company, which fully complies with the ARINC-700 standard. Information on flight characteristics, the operation of engines and on-board systems is shown to pilots through six color digital screens. The model also has a diagnostic system.
Salon
Now a few words about the placement of passengers in the Fokker -70. The layout of the cabin is quite simple and very similar to other models in the niche of aircraft designed for 70-80 people. As already noted above, the engines are located in the rear, therefore, when purchasing tickets for the liner of this modification, it is better to choose places in the front or middle part, where the noise is practically absent.
Production end
In 1995, after Fokker became the new owner, its position worsened significantly. Moreover, the market overcrowding prevailing at that time had a negative effect. As a result, in March 1996, it became known about the bankruptcy of the company. For some more time, the completion of unfinished and ordered cars was carried out. In April 1997, the Dutch airline KLM delivered the last copy of the airliner.
In total, 47 aircraft were assembled during the serial production of the aircraft (including 1 prototype). It should be noted that the era of the model did not end at the bankruptcy of the manufacturer, because at present, Fokker -70 aircraft continue to be actively operated by more than one European airline.