**Aircraft Profile: McDonnell Douglas MD-11F at Frankfurt Main (FRA/EDDF) – Reg: D-ALCQ with GE CF6-80C2D1FD Engines**
Frankfurt Main Airport (FRA/EDDF), one of Europe’s busiest and most significant air hubs, has long been a key location for global cargo and passenger flights. Among the various aircraft types that regularly operate at this international gateway, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11F stands out as a reliable workhorse in the world of freight aviation. This article provides an in-depth look at one of these aircraft, specifically the MD-11F with registration **D-ALCQ**, which operates from Frankfurt Main, powered by **GE CF6-80C2D1FD engines**.
### McDonnell Douglas MD-11F Overview
The **McDonnell Douglas MD-11** is a wide-body, tri-jet airliner that was originally developed as a successor to the DC-10. The MD-11, first introduced in the early 1990s, was primarily designed for long-haul commercial aviation and was also adapted for cargo operations as the MD-11F variant. The MD-11F is a freighter version of the aircraft, which has been widely utilized by global cargo airlines for transporting goods across continents.
This specific aircraft, **D-ALCQ**, is a notable example of the MD-11F freighter series, having served with Lufthansa Cargo, one of the largest cargo airlines based in Germany. Lufthansa Cargo operates a fleet of MD-11 freighters to handle its global freight operations, and Frankfurt Main Airport (FRA) serves as one of its key hubs.
### Aircraft Specifications: MD-11F
– **Aircraft Type**: McDonnell Douglas MD-11F (Freighter Version)
– **Aircraft Registration**: D-ALCQ
– **Length**: 61.2 meters (200 feet 6 inches)
– **Wingspan**: 51.7 meters (169 feet 7 inches)
– **Height**: 18.5 meters (60 feet 8 inches)
– **Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)**: 630,000 pounds (285,000 kg)
– **Cargo Capacity**: The MD-11F is capable of carrying up to 90 metric tons of cargo, including large items that are difficult to transport with smaller freighters.
The MD-11F features a spacious belly hold capable of carrying a wide range of goods, from perishables to industrial equipment. With its advanced cargo handling systems and versatile hold configurations, the MD-11F is one of the most trusted freighters in the global aviation industry.
### Engines: GE CF6-80C2D1FD
One of the key performance features of the MD-11F is its powerful engine configuration. **D-ALCQ** is powered by **General Electric CF6-80C2D1FD** engines, a member of the CF6 family of turbofan engines. The CF6-80C2D1FD is a high-performance, reliable engine that has been a mainstay in both commercial and cargo aviation for many years.
#### Key Features of the GE CF6-80C2D1FD Engine:
– **Thrust Output**: Each engine produces around 62,000 pounds of thrust, providing the MD-11F with excellent takeoff and cruise performance, even when fully loaded with cargo.
– **Efficiency**: The CF6-80C2D1FD engine is known for its fuel efficiency, which is particularly crucial for long-haul cargo flights where cost management and operational efficiency are paramount.
– **Reliability**: These engines have a strong reputation for reliability, which is critical for cargo airlines that depend on minimal downtime and high operational availability.
– **Maintenance**: The CF6-80C2D1FD is designed to be relatively easy to maintain, with lower operating costs compared to older engine models, making it an ideal choice for cargo operators.
The combination of the MD-11F’s robust design and the power of the CF6-80C2D1FD engines allows aircraft like **D-ALCQ** to handle challenging routes and demanding cargo loads, ensuring that goods are delivered safely and on time, regardless of the distance.
### Frankfurt Main Airport (FRA/EDDF)
Frankfurt Main (FRA/EDDF) is one of the largest and busiest international airports in Europe, serving as a central hub for both passenger and cargo traffic. Lufthansa Cargo, headquartered at Frankfurt Main, relies heavily on its fleet of freighter aircraft, including the MD-11F, to transport goods to and from the airport.
With its modern infrastructure, including dedicated freight terminals, Frankfurt Main is a key location for the transport of high-value goods, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and industrial machinery. The airport’s strategic location in the heart of Europe also makes it a crucial gateway for intercontinental airfreight between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
For aircraft like the **MD-11F D-ALCQ**, Frankfurt Main provides a state-of-the-art platform to deliver goods to various global destinations. The airport’s well-developed cargo network ensures smooth operations for freighter aircraft, with a robust system for handling everything from time-sensitive deliveries to oversized cargo.
### The Role of D-ALCQ in Lufthansa Cargo’s Fleet
As part of Lufthansa Cargo’s fleet, the MD-11F with registration **D-ALCQ** plays a pivotal role in transporting critical cargo across long distances. With its combination of speed, reliability, and high payload capacity, the MD-11F is well-suited for long-haul routes between Frankfurt Main and key global cargo destinations.
Lufthansa Cargo’s MD-11 freighters operate across various continents, with routes serving destinations in North America, Asia, and Africa. These aircraft are an integral part of the airline’s effort to maintain high levels of cargo capacity and efficiency, ensuring that global supply chains remain uninterrupted.
### Conclusion
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, specifically the aircraft registered **D-ALCQ**, powered by the dependable **GE CF6-80C2D1FD engines**, remains a cornerstone of Lufthansa Cargo’s fleet and a vital asset to air freight operations at Frankfurt Main Airport. With its combination of cutting-edge engineering, cargo capacity, and performance, the MD-11F continues to be one of the most trusted freighters in the aviation industry.
Whether transporting electronics, pharmaceuticals, or industrial machinery, the MD-11F ensures that goods reach their destinations safely and efficiently, playing a crucial role in the global logistics network. For Frankfurt Main Airport, this aircraft exemplifies the intersection of advanced aviation technology and the critical role of airfreight in supporting global trade.
