The Origins of the McDonnell Douglas DC-8
The McDonnell Douglas DC-8, first introduced in 1958, was a long-range commercial jet airliner that played a significant role in shaping the aviation industry. Developed by the renowned aerospace manufacturer, McDonnell Douglas Corporation, the DC-8 was designed to compete with other leading aircraft of its time, such as the Boeing 707.
Unveiling the Remarkable Features
With its sleek and streamlined design, the DC-8 boasted several remarkable features that set it apart from its competitors. Equipped with powerful Pratt & Whitney JT3D engines, the DC-8 offered exceptional performance and efficiency, enabling it to cover long distances with ease. Its spacious cabin, capable of accommodating a large number of passengers, was a testament to its commitment to passenger comfort.
The DC-8's Impact on the Aviation Industry
The McDonnell Douglas DC-8 made a lasting impact on the aviation industry, revolutionizing air travel in numerous ways. With its extended range capabilities, it opened up new possibilities for transcontinental and intercontinental flights, bringing people closer together and facilitating global connectivity. The DC-8 became a symbol of progress and modernization, cementing McDonnell Douglas' position as a leader in the aerospace industry.
Legacy and Historical Significance
Although the production of the DC-8 eventually came to an end in 1972, its legacy lives on. The aircraft's contributions to aviation technology, coupled with its role in shaping the future of air travel, have earned it a place in the annals of aviation history. Today, vintage DC-8s can still be found in museums and aviation enthusiasts' collections, serving as a reminder of the aircraft's enduring impact.
The DC-8: A Testament to Engineering Excellence
In conclusion, the McDonnell Douglas DC-8 remains an enduring symbol of engineering excellence and innovation. Its groundbreaking features, coupled with its impact on the aviation industry, have solidified its place in history. As we look back on this remarkable aircraft, we appreciate the role it played in shaping the way we travel and continue to marvel at its timeless design.
Variant | -10/20/30 | -40/43/50/55 | -61/71 | -63/73 | -62/72 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Passengers | 177 | -40/43: 177, -50/55: 189 | 259 | 189 | |
Max. cargo | 1,390 cu ft (39 m3) | 2,500 cu ft (71 m3) | 1,615 cu ft (45.7 m3) | ||
Wingspan | 142.4 ft (43.4 m) | 148.4 ft (45.2 m) | |||
Length | 150.7 ft (45.9 m) | 187.4 ft (57.1 m) | 157.5 ft (48.0 m) | ||
Fuselage | outside width: 147 in (373.4 cm), inside width: 138.25 in (351.2 cm) | ||||
Max. Takeoff Weight (MTOW) |
-10: 273,000 lb (123.8 t) -20: 276,000 lb (125.2 t) 30: 315,000 lb (142.9 t) |
315,000 lb (142.9 t) -55: 325,000 lb (147.4 t) |
325,000 lb (147.4 t) -F: 328,000 lb (148.8 t) |
355,000 lb (161.0 t) | 350,000 lb (158.8 t) -72F: 335,000 lb (152.0 t) |
Max. payload |
-10: 46,103 lb (20.9 t) -20: 43,624 lb (19.8 t) -30: 51,870 lb (23.5 t) |
52,000 lb (23.6 t) -43: 41,691 lb (18.9 t) |
-61: 71,899 lb (32.6 t) -71: 60,300 lb (27.4 t) |
-63: 71,262 lb (32.3 t) -73: 64,800 lb (29.4 t) |
-62: 51,745 lb (23.5 t) -72: 41,800 lb (19.0 t) |
Operating empty weight (OEW) |
-10: 119,797 lb (54.3 t) -20: 123,876 lb (56.2 t) -30: 126,330 lb (57.3 t) |
-40/50: 124,800 lb (56.6 t) -43: 136,509 lb (61.9 t) -55: 138,266 lb (62.7 t) |
-61: 152,101 lb (69.0 t) -71: 163,700 lb (74.3 t) |
-63: 158,738 lb (72.0 t) -73: 166,200 lb (75.4 t) |
-62: 143,255 lb (65.0 t) -72: 153,200 lb (69.5 t) |
Max. fuel | 23,393 US gal (88.6 m3), -10/20: 17,550 US gal (66.4 m3) | 24,275 US gal (91.9 m3) | |||
Engines | -10: P&W JT3C -20/30: P&W JT4A |
-40/43: RCo.12 -50/55: P&W JT3D-3B |
Super 61/62: P&W JT3D-3B, Super 63: P&W JT3D-7 Super 70: CFM56-2 |
||
Cruise speed | Mach 0.82 (483 kn; 895 km/h) | ||||
Range | -10: 3,760 nmi (6,960 km) -20: 4,050 nmi (7,500 km) -30: 4,005 nmi (7,417 km) |
-40: 5,310 nmi (9,830 km) -43: 4,200 nmi (7,800 km) -50: 5,855 nmi (10,843 km) -55: 4,700 nmi (8,700 km) |
-61: 3,200 nmi (5,900 km) -71: 3,500 nmi (6,500 km) |
-63: 4,000 nmi (7,400 km) -73: 4,500 nmi (8,300 km) |
-62: 5,200 nmi (9,600 km) -72: 5,300 nmi (9,800 km) |
Freighter versions | -50/-55 | -61/71 | 63/73 | -62/72 | |
Volume | -50: 9,310 cu ft (264 m3) -55: 9,020 cu ft (255 m3) |
12,171 cu ft (344.6 m3) | 12,830 cu ft (363 m3) | 9,737 cu ft (275.7 m3) | |
Payload | -50: 88,022 lb (39.9 t) -55: 92,770 lb (42.1 t) |
-61: 88,494 lb (40.1 t) -71: 81,300 lb (36.9 t) |
-63: 119,670 lb (54.3 t) -73: 111,800 lb (50.7 t) |
-62: 91,440 lb (41.5 t) -72: 90,800 lb (41.2 t) |
|
OEW | -50: 130,207 lb (59.1 t) -55: 131,230 lb (59.5 t) |
-61: 145,506 lb (66.0 t) -71: 152,700 lb (69.3 t) |
-63: 141,330 lb (64.1 t) -73: 149,200 lb (67.7 t) |
-62: 138,560 lb (62.8 t) -72: 140,200 lb (63.6 t) |
|
Max PL Range |
-55: 3,000 nmi (5,600 km) | -61/63: 2,300 nmi (4,300 km) -71/73: 2,900 nmi (5,400 km) |
-62: 3,200 nmi (5,900 km) -72: 3,900 nmi (7,200 km) |