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Something about Tristar
Although only 250 Tristar have produced, the history is bright and great. Someone said "Tristar is one of the most safety jetliner in the world." So, let's enjoy something about the great jets-- L-1011 Tristar.
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During 1960's, the Lockheed were planing to develop the wide-body jetliners to meet the American Airlines' needs. The major competitor was DC-10. Both are tri-jet with similar outlooks. The plane is able to carry more than 250 passengers with smaller size than the B747. Finally, the AA chose the DC-10. But Lockheed haven't given up. They changed the target to Eastern Airlines and TWA. Both were the major airlines in USA. On 29th March 1968, they ordered the L1011.
The tri-jet could fly longer range than twin-jet. Especially good for the over water flight. The Rolls Royce RB211 engine is much more cheaper than GE and P&W engine. And also the lower fuel consumption than them. But the financial problem of the Rolls-Royce engine company caused the Tristar were delayed to the market. It was the great hits of Lockheed. It gave DC-10 a great chance to sell their jets. Because of this, the Tristar got the not good selling records. On 7th December 1981, Lockheed had made the decision to close the L1011 production line. Only 250 Tristar were produced. And the production lines were closed in 1984.Now, about 120 Tristar are still flying around the world.
Larger quantity do not mean better quality. Fewer L1011 were produced than DC10, but the better safety records, the advanced aviation technology made the L1011 sound good in aviation industry.
