Strange aircraft at MXP

[yggorf]

Saw a very strange aircraft parked at MXP this week: it looked like a short 737, with a looong antenna thingy on the nose.
Nothing strange so far, 'xcept that it had two jet engines on top of the wings.
Looked like some sort of scientific contraption, but why put the engines on top of the wings?:confused:
Markings: D-ADAM
Anybody knows what it is?

[Golf Charlie Charlie]

It's a VFW-Fokker 614.

[yggorf]

GCC,thanks a lot!

[Rainboe]

<<but why put the engines on top of the wings?>>

Let's see:
Less ground clearance needed, so shorter, lighter undercarriage. Easier access to cabin.
Noise shielding of engine by wing leading to quieter operations into noise sensitive local airports.
Zero pitching moment with thrust change.
Any fire would tend to burn upwards and not cook the wing
Engine up and out of the way of ground damage by vehicles
No ground debris ingestion problems
Easy inspection of the engine inflight
Minimal damage in the event of wheels up landing

......is that enough?

[Curious Pax]

But presumably the downsides are greater, otherwise the 614 wouldn't be the only example. I've often wondered what they are.

[yggorf]

On the downside, it's ugly!
For me, that's unforgiveable.

[PaperTiger]

But presumably the downsides are greater, otherwise the 614 wouldn't be the only example.It isn't: http://www.ainonline.com/Features/newbusinessaircraft02/nba_hondajet.html (although still in the prototype stage, I admit)

[LowObservable]

The original idea was that the cargo version would have a swing nose to unload the cargo at truck-bed height.
I flew in one once with the M45H screeching in my ear and the PR guy yelling that THE PRODUCTION VERSION WOULD BE A LOT QUIETER

[barit1]

I think they built ten of the things.

Externally, the cockpit lines looked identical to the F28.

[HZ123]

All due respect I cannot see how it looks like a smaller 737, clearly you need to invest in an anorak?