[Capt. Caucasian]

I used to fly it when I was at AT. Basically, it is part of the DC-9, MD-80, 82, 83, 88, and 90 family, but with Rolls Royce engines. The avionics are the same as what is in the MD-11. And yes, it likes to land rather firm. Not to say smooth landings are not impossible but, they are more difficult. Part of the problem lies with AT's policy to leave the auto-throttles on through landing. The planes hand-flies much better if the throttles are disengaged.