In January 1988 McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company announced its intention to develop a version of the MD-500 series using its NOTAR (No tail-rotor) anti-torque system, with the first aircraft to fly in May 1989.

The MD900 Explorer was formally launched by McDonnell Douglas Helicopters as the MDX in January 1989.

The Douglas DC-10 series, or McDonnell Douglas DC-10 as it became known following the amalgamation of McDonnell with the Douglas Aircraft Company, was designed to meet a requirement of the US domestic airlines in 1966 for a large capacity medium-range aircraft.