SGA/Vista Liners MD-80 series

The McDonnell Douglas MD-80 is a short to medium range, narrow body commercial passenger jet aircraft. The MD-80 is an improved development of the DC-9 and was fitted with new engines, a further stretched fuselage and increased wingspan. Initially the MD-80 was designated DC-9 Super 80 or DC-9-80, but this designation changed to MD-80 in 1983. The MD-80 designation is a generic designation for the series and doesn't apply to a certain model. The models in the MD-80 series are: MD-81, MD-82, MD-83 and MD-88. The first MD-80, a MD-81, was delivered to launch customer Swissair in September 1980. Currently American Airlines operates the largest number of MD-80s. The MD-80 remained in production until 1999.

The SGA MD-80 is a good looking and frame rate friendly model. All the usual animations are present. The flight dynamics are quite good, its not very hard to control this aircraft, although the engine spool up time seems to be rather slow. The behavior of the main landing gear is realistic, but the retraction process seems to be too fast. Also, the thrust reverse is not very realistic, when the thrust reversers are engaged, N1 is going up all the way to 110% (should be something between 60-70% N1). With the wingfold command, a ground service vehicle appears and the rear stairs extend.







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