Douglas DC-8 Series 50

The Douglas DC‑8 Series 50, introduced in 1965, represented the most advanced version of the early American jetliner. Developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company to compete with Boeing’s 707, the Series 50 incorporated a longer fuselage, increased maximum take‑off weight, and more powerful Pratt & Whitney JT3D low‑pressure turbofan engines. These upgrades raised the aircraft’s range to about 6,800 km, allowing nonstop trans‑Atlantic and intercontinental flights, and boosted passenger capacity to 150‑180 seats in a typical two‑class layout. The wing was reinforced and featured a larger wing area with upgraded high‑lift devices, improving take‑off performance from shorter runways. Flight decks received modernized instrumentation, including an autopilot capable of higher‑altitude cruise and improved navigation aids. The DC‑8 Series 50 became the workhorse of major carriers such as KLM, Air France, and Pan Am, and it opened new routes for cargo operators after conversion to freighters. Its reliability and efficient fuel consumption helped establish the jet age’s commercial viability and set standards for subsequent wide‑body designs. By the early 1990s many Series 50 airframes were still in service, underscoring the aircraft’s lasting impact on global aviation.

Douglas

Douglas DC-8 Series 50

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Design & Classification