First flew as N980DC in 1979. Damaged in an accident during certification testing in 1980. Rebuilt and used as an unducted fan test aircraft with a general electric ge36 unducted fan on one side. First flew as such in 1987. The project was cancelled in 1989. This type of engine never went into commerical use. To International Airline Support Group and withdrawn from use at Sherman-Grayson, TX in 1991. Reregistered as N560MD which was never applied. Scrapped in 1994.

Photographer Gerrit Bouma

The only time I've seen an aircraft like this.

At Farnborough International 1988

The only time I've seen an aircraft like this.

This aircraft was displayed at the 1988 Farnborough Airshow. The port engine was replaced with an experimental General Electric ultra high bypass turbo prop engine with contra-rotating propellors. It was very fuel efficient but never entered production and the aircraft was scrapped in 1994.

Never did quite catch on, did it... N908DC was the prototype MD-80 airframe and was broken up for spares at Sherman, TX in 1994

The prototype MD-80, retrofitted with UHB prop turbofan on port side only. Demonstrating at the 1988 Farnborough Air Show.