| | Airliners.net Articles: The Might-Have-Beens: Convair 880 and 990 |
 | | To increase the 880’s appeal with airlines that required greater range capability, Convair developed the 880M model with increased fuel capacity and engine thrust, heavier landing gear, wing leading edge slats to reduce stall speed and a power boost rudder to improve directional control. |
 | | But by the time of the 880’s first passenger service, the Boeing 720, the Sud Aviation Caravelle, and Boeing’s planned 727, were competing very effectively for the airline industry’s short and mid-range fleet orders. |
 | | Many of the 880s were converted to freighters with a large main deck cargo door installed ahead of the left wing, while the 990s in charter passenger service were usually reconfigured to seat as many as 149. |
| www.airliners.net /articles/read.main?id=67 (2508 words) |