After creating the successful but controversial DC-10 jetliner in the 1970s, McDonnell Douglas updated the type to create the MD-11 in the early 1990s. A lack of resources and time meant the MD-11 became much less - a sales flop with a questionable safety record - and much more - a unique three-engines machine in the twin-jet era that went on to have a long and interesting career both in passenger operations and freight hauling. This book shows the development of the aircraft with a detailed look at the history of Douglas, the path through the DC-10 to the MD-11, it's troubled entry into service, and its second wind as a reliable cargo hauler. The text is accompanied by a detailed history of every airframe, from delivery to retirement. A fascinating chapter in the history of the Jet Age. 1 The Road to the MD-11 2 The story of the MD-11 3 MD-11 in Detail 4 Propulsion Controlled Aircraft 5 Safety, flying and handling 6 Individual Aircraft History 7 Traffic jam in the Monsoon Guy Van Herbruggen is an aviation archivist and researcher. Guy Van Herbruggen began a lifelong love of aviation when at the age of six he flew on a Sabena SE-210 Caravelle from Brussels to Tunis with his parents. Guy started flying gliders at the age of fourteen and earned his FAA Professional Pilot IFR Multiengine licence in 1991 followed by a flight engineer certificate with a Boeing 727 typerating. Today Guy is an engineering manager at Fedex Express. He resides in Ottignies, Belgium, with his wife France and their twin children, where he has restored Sabena s first Boeing 707 simulator, build by Curtiss-Wright in 1959. He is also an occasional contributor to Aviation News and Propliner magazines. Charles Kennedy is one of civil aviation s best-known writers, whose books include DC-8 & The Flying Tiger Line, Story of the MD11, Tiger 747, Jetliners of the Red Star and Air3 (with Sam Chui). He is a regular features writer for Airliner World, Aviation News and Airways magazines. The interest in aviation started in his 70s Sydney childhood, and bloomed in the 80s after his family moved to England, necessitating a trip to Australia every other year, flying every exotic combination of airline and hardware along the Kangaroo Route plus the inaugural non-stop Qantas London to Perth scheduled flight. Charles piloting experience includes the Piper PA-28, North American TF-51 Mustang, time logged on the MiG-15 and training on the 707 simulator at the Pan Am International Flight Academy in Miami.