VFW/Fokker VFW-614

1971

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VFW/Fokker VFW-614

With financial backing from the West German government, VFW-Fokker initiated construction and development of three prototypes of a short-range twin-turbofan civil transport designated VFW 614. The first of these prototypes was flown on 14 July 1971, certification was gained on 23 August 1974 and the first of the production aircraft was flown on 28 April 1975. A cantilever low-wing monoplane with moderately swept wings and tail surfaces, this 40/44-passenger aircraft had an unusual design feature: the installation of its two 32kN thrust Rolls-Royce/SNECMA M45H Mk 501 turbo-fan engines, one pylon-mounted above each wing. With only limited orders for 16 aircraft from Air Alsace (three), Cimber Air (two), Touraine Air Transport (eight) and the Luftwaffe (three), the VFW 614 was uneconomic to build, and production ended in early 1978 after the completion of these aircraft.

VFW/Fokker VFW-614

Specification 
 CREW2-3
 PASSENGERS36-40
 ENGINE2 x turbo-jet BS/SNECMA M45, 34.3kN
 WEIGHTS
  Take-off weight15880 kg35010 lb
  Empty weight9813 kg21634 lb
 DIMENSIONS
  Wingspan21.5 m71 ft 6 in
  Length20.6 m68 ft 7 in
  Height7.7 m25 ft 3 in
  Wing area64.0 m2688.89 sq ft
 PERFORMANCE
  Max. speed735 km/h457 mph
  Range w/max.fuel2500 km1553 miles
  Range w/max payload800 km497 miles

Comments
Klaatu83, e-mail, 27.07.2015 19:55

This aircraft was intended as short-haul airliner for operation out of unimproved airfields in developing countries. It was supposed to replace the venerable Douglas DC-3, many of which were still in use in such places. The unusual position of the engines was intended to prevent damage from sucking in foreign objects while operating out unimproved dirt or grass airfields, and also to keep the landing gear relatively short, so that the fuselage remained close to the ground for easy loading and discharging.

reply

Phil, e-mail, 02.04.2011 12:17

Turbo-fan in text and turbo-jet in spec - should be turbo-fan in both.

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