When DC10's were in use, I remember a certain sound they had at takeoff. What was it?

Question

When they would crank the engines up to takeoff, I could always tell it was a DC10 by the loud Hum it had. It seems none of the other airliners had that sound. It was very distinct to a DC10.

Answer 1

Hi,When Philippine Airlines had them we used to fly on them from Australia to Manila,they where an aeroplane,the thrust when the Captain put his foot down,so to speak,to take off,it must feel good to fly one,from the pilot seat.They had that throaty sound,when they throttle up.Fedex still have some,I see them at the airport and it's magic to watch them take-off.

Answer 2

i know what u mean, as it is my favourite aircraft, i have always admired it and had the chance the fly on it on many occasions.

iv found this video, i think its a dc 10-30......the roar from the engine is magnificent!!.............music to my ears!

Answer 3

Quite a few mornings I get to listen to a FedEx MD-11 (a later version of DC-10) depart, and I've never noticed the low frequency warble, but Its fans impart a very distinctive growl.  I can tell it's an MD-11 rolling long before it lifts off and I can see it.  Seems like all aircraft with relatively large turbofans have a similar sound, but the big guys like the DC-10/MD-11 sound much deeper and throatier.

Answer 4

Noisy.

Answer 5

That is because MD-11's use a different engine than the DC-10.

The MD-11 uses the Pratt & Whitney 4460/62 or the General Electric CF6-80C2D1F.

The DC-10 used the Pratt & Whitney JT9D-59A or different variants of the General Electric CF6-50(which was the most common)

The sound you are referring to is the distinctive whine of the GE CF6-50 created by the fan blades rotating at supersonic speeds.  It sounds kind of like a C-5 galaxy

Answer 6

Aww yes, the good ole low whine of the GEs on the DC-10-30.  But an even better sounding powerplant is the GE90s on the Boeing 777.  Music to my soul.

Answer 7

A beat frequency between the 3 engines.  Each engine was operating at a slightly different rotational speed, which would produce a low frequency warble.

Sounded even better in the cabin.

Answer 8

i know i love hearing that sound