Engine configuration - why?
I searched the internet and forums before posting this, but couldn't find anything, which surprised me.
I was wondering why the engines on all new aircraft are under the wing, as supposed to at the rear of the fuselage. I would have thought that there were advantages (cabin noise, wing design?), otherwise the MD80 wouldn't have chosen this configuration....
In addition, why has the three-engine idea fallen out of favour? Is it because a twin is more efficient, and new engines can supply enough thrust/reliability to quite safely power an aircraft?