Douglas DC-3

The Douglas DC‑3, first flown in 1935, is one of the most influential transport aircraft ever built. Developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company as a civilian version of the Model 81, the DC‑3 quickly proved its versatility and reliability, becoming the backbone of airlines worldwide during the 1930s and 1940s. Powered by two radial engines—most commonly the Pratt & Whitney R‑1830 Twin Wasp or the Wright R‑1820 Cyclone—its fixed‑pitch propellers generated enough thrust to cruise at 180 mph (290 km/h) with a range of roughly 1,500 miles (2,400 km). The aircraft’s all‑metal low‑wing monoplane design featured a spacious cabin that could accommodate up to 28 passengers or a full complement of cargo, while its sturdy landing gear allowed operation from unpaved airfields.

During World War II the DC‑3’s military variant, the C‑47 Skytrain, delivered troops, equipment, and supplies across every theater, earning the nickname “the workhorse of the sky.” After the war the surplus airframes seeded the nascent global airline network, and many continued in service for decades. The DC‑3’s blend of economical operation, rugged construction, and unmatched reliability cemented its legacy as a catalyst for modern commercial aviation.

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