If it was such a great design why are no modern tri-jets being produced now?
For a very simple reason, Gorrilla...engines are now available with enough thust to produce a twin that can do the job.
Of course, the twin has operational restrictions that the trijet...or 4-engine airplane, does not.
At the time, the 'ole L1011 was the most modern, automated aeroplane in the skies, bar none.
It still is a viable performer in certain niche markets.
Comments to the contrary, not excepted.
IF it was soooo bad, the RAF would have eliminated the type, long ago.
Maybe.....
Many large international airlines made money with the TriStar, and yet...one quite large airline stands out amongst others, as having been a failure in this regard.
We know the reason...operational expertise.
IE: they simply could not cope.
Hardly surprising, now is it?
I must say however, that that lack of opertational expertise did NOT extend to the flight operationas department.
I personally know many of their former folks, and they rave about the TriStars performance, from a pilots perspective.
Apparently, the problems with the type at this one particular large airline was critically centered in the maintenance department.
Surprise, surprise.
IE: many there simply couldn't read (nor, apparently understand) the Lockheed supplied maintenance manual, or....had no comprehension of the maintenance required.
Other airlines...not so.
Among those were...
TWA
EAL
Saudia
AirLanka
Royal Jordanian
ANA
Gulf Air
Cathay Pacific
Delta (the larget operator with over sixty L10 aircraft)
The list goes on.
All quite satisfied operators.
Amazing...sour grapes from only one source.
