I would like to know the physical differences, those that can be recognized by a lay person, of the current fleet of commercial airliners. (i.e. 747, DC-10, MD-80...)
Probably the best thing would be to refer to your local library and look at "Janes All the World's Aircraft" in the reference section. <br><br>Or, I recommend buying "janes World Aircraft Recognition Handbook". This handbook is excellent, with silhouettes, wing configurations, number of engines, etc.
For the lay person,<br>MD-80 & 90 Series- Two engines on the tail.<br>DC10/MD11/L1011- Three engines. Two on the wings; one in the tail. the L1011 tail engine is formed into the body of the fuselage.<br>727- Three engines on the tail.<br>737/757/767/777- Two engines on the wings. 737-small, 757-long and slender, 767- widebody, 777-large widebody.<br>747- 4 engines, 2 on each wing and the hump on the top of the FWD fuselage.<br>Airbus aircraft look similar to the Boeing 7 series of aircraft so it is hard for the lay person to destiguish between the two. The only significant difference I have seen is that the A340 looks like the 747 without the FWD fuselage hump.<br><br>Hope that helps. Also the Jane's series of books on commercial aircraft is helpful if you really want to get technical.<br>