The VFW-614 was a regional jet aircraft developed by German company VFW-Fokker in the 1970s. It was a small, short-range airliner designed to seat around 50 passengers and was intended to fill the gap between turboprop aircraft and larger jet airliners.
The VFW-614 was a low-wing aircraft with two engines mounted on the tail section. It had a sleek, streamlined appearance and featured a pressurized cabin for passenger comfort. The aircraft was equipped with modern avionics and had a range of around 1,500 kilometers (930 miles).
The VFW-614 faced tough competition from other regional jets of the time, such as the BAe 146 and the Fokker F28, and ultimately only a small number were built. The aircraft was plagued by technical problems and was eventually discontinued, with the last VFW-614 being delivered in 1979.
Despite its failure, the VFW-614 was an interesting and innovative aircraft that paved the way for the development of smaller regional jets that are commonly used today.
The VFW-614 was developed in the 1970s as a response to the growing demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient aircraft for regional air travel. The aircraft was designed to be a cost-effective alternative to larger jet airliners for short-haul flights, and was capable of operating from smaller airports and runways.
The VFW-614 was powered by two Rolls-Royce RB.183 engines, which were mounted on the tail section of the aircraft. It had a cruising speed of around 500 km/h (310 mph) and a range of approximately 1,500 kilometers (930 miles). The aircraft featured a pressurized cabin that could accommodate up to 50 passengers in a typical two-class configuration, or up to 80 passengers in a high-density layout.
Despite its potential, the VFW-614 faced several challenges during its development and production. The aircraft was plagued by technical problems, including issues with its engines and avionics. It also faced strong competition from other regional jets of the time, such as the BAe 146 and the Fokker F28. As a result, only a small number of VFW-614s were built, with the last aircraft being delivered in 1979.
Despite its limited success, the VFW-614 was an important aircraft in the history of regional aviation. It paved the way for the development of smaller regional jets that are commonly used today for short-haul flights, and helped to establish the regional jet market that is so important to the airline industry.
