DL-2

The Detroit Aircraft DL‑2 emerged in the late 1930s as the company’s answer to the growing demand for fast, reliable mail‑carrier and light‑transport planes. Designed by chief engineer Margaret “Maggie” Harlow, the DL‑2 first flew on 12 March 1939 from Wayne County Airport, quickly proving its durability in the harsh Midwestern climate. Powered by a liquid‑cooled 300‑horsepower Wright R‑975 engine, the low‑wing monoplane featured retractable landing gear, an all‑metal semi‑monocoque fuselage, and a spacious cockpit with dual controls that set new standards for pilot ergonomics. Its 38‑foot wingspan and streamlined NACA 23012 airfoil gave the aircraft a top speed of 210 mph and a range of 850 miles, making it ideal for both commercial routes and military liaison duties during World War II. Over 150 units were built before production ceased in 1944, and the DL‑2’s emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency influenced later Detroit models such as the D‑3 and the post‑war Skyhawk series. Today, a handful of restored DL‑2s appear at vintage airshows, celebrated as a pivotal step in American aviation that blended performance, practicality, and innovative design. Its legacy continues to inspire modern aeronautical engineering curricula and preservation efforts worldwide.