Douglas DC-8

The Douglas DC‑8, introduced in 1958, was the first jet airliner produced by the American company Douglas Aircraft Company and quickly became a benchmark for long‑range commercial flight. Developed in response to the Boeing 707, the DC‑8 featured four Pratt & Whitney JT3C turbo‑jet engines mounted on a low‑wing cantilever design, a pressurized fuselage capable of carrying 150‑189 passengers, and a maximum cruising speed of about 870 km/h (540 mph). Its range, initially 5,600 km, allowed airlines to operate nonstop transatlantic and transpacific services, opening new routes for carriers such as United, Delta and KLM. Over its 22‑year production run, more than 550 units were built in multiple variants, including the high‑capacity DC‑8‑70 series and the converted freighter models that remain in service today. The aircraft’s sturdy airframe, straightforward maintenance requirements, and adaptable cockpit layout set a standard for reliability that influenced subsequent designs like the MD‑11 and even modern wide‑body jets. The DC‑8’s legacy endures as a pivotal step in the transition from propeller‑driven transports to the jet age, reshaping global air travel and establishing the United States as a leader in commercial aviation.

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