VFW 614
VFW-Fokker · Germany · first flew 1971 · airliner
The VFW 614 was a short-haul regional jet developed in West Germany in the early 1970s, notable for its over-wing engine installation — each Rolls-Royce/SNECMA M45H turbofan sat above and forward of the wing on a distinctive pylon, keeping engines away from runway debris. It was one of the first purpose-designed regional jets.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 20.6 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Turbofan engines mounted above and ahead of the wing on distinctive pylons
- Short-haul twin-jet with very low cabin floor close to the ground
- Over-wing engine pods give a distinctive dorsal hump in side view
The over-wing engine pods are instantly distinctive and shared by no contemporary airliner. The very low-slung fuselage and conventional low tail complete the profile.
Specifications
- The VFW 614 has a length of 20.6 m (68 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 21.5 m (71 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 720 km/h (447 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 crew, up to 44 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
VFW (Vereinigte Flugtechnische Werke) began the project in the mid-1960s aiming to replace ageing DC-3s and F27s on short thin routes. The prototype flew on 14 July 1971, and the type received certification in 1974. Only 19 aircraft were built; the programme ended in 1977 when expected orders failed to materialise.
Variants
Only a single passenger configuration was produced; proposed stretched and freighter variants were never built.
Where you'll see it
Air Alsace, Cimber Air, and the German Air Force operated the type; fleet numbers remained tiny. High unit cost and poor fuel economy relative to emerging competitors ended its career quickly.
Related aircraft
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