McDonnell Douglas DC-10

The McDonnell Douglas DC‑10 is a three‑engine wide‑body jet that entered service in 1971 and became one of the most recognizable American airliners of the 1970s and 1980s. Developed to compete with the Boeing 747 and the Lockheed L‑1011, the DC‑10 was built at the former Douglas Aircraft plant in Long Beach, California, and later at the McDonnell Douglas facilities in St. Louis. Its first flight took place on August 29, 1970, and American Airlines launched the type on June 5, 1971. The aircraft features a conventional low‑wing layout with a central tail engine and two wing‑mounted engines, a spacious 181‑seat cabin, and a cargo door capable of handling large freight, which later made the type popular for freighter conversions. Advanced for its era, the DC‑10 incorporated a digital flight‑control system, a high‑capacity fuel system, and a robust landing gear designed for long‑haul operations. Although early safety concerns involving engine‑out handling and cargo‑door malfunctions marred its reputation, extensive redesigns and rigorous certification restored confidence. The DC‑10’s versatility, particularly as a cargo carrier, helped shape modern wide‑body operations and paved the way for its successor, the MD‑11, cementing its lasting influence in commercial aviation.

McDonnell Douglas

McDonnell Douglas DC-10

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