I believe that triple 7 motors come with their own respective fwd cowl fairings pre attached. It's all part of the QEC package (quick engine exchange). Mighty big cabin required to accept an engine with a 10' diameter cowl fairing.
The MD 11 had disappointedly proved to be a lousy pax airplane, but I had thought that it was much loved as a freighter for the economics. I understand that Fed Ex wanted many more, and even the air cargo arm of Luffty had requested that the MD11 assembly line be reopened, but too late . . . . Ex pax MD 11's at that time were then eagerly snapped up for freighter conversion.
In February, of 2001, I had sadly witnessed the last MD11 depart it's LGB factory (a freighter, also in Lufthansa colors, I think).
Last edited by L-38; 30th April 2009 at 21:50.