The Douglas DC-8 (sometimes McDonnell Douglas DC-8) is an early long-range narrow-body jetliner designed and produced by the American Douglas Aircraft Company. Work began in 1952 towards the United States Air Force's (USAF) requirement for a jet-powered aerial refueling tanker. After losing the USAF's tanker competition to the rival Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker in May 1954, Douglas announced in June 1955 its derived jetliner project marketed to civil operators. In October 1955, Pan Am made the first order along with the competing Boeing 707, and many other airlines soon followed. The first DC-8 was rolled out in Long Beach Airport on April 9, 1958, and flew for the first time on May 30. Following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification in August 1959, the DC-8 entered service with Delta Air Lines on September 18.
Specifications
General Characteristics
- Created On Android
- Wingspan 218.3ft (66.5m)
- Length 252.6ft (77.0m)
- Height 67.5ft (20.6m)
- Empty Weight N/A
- Loaded Weight 115,672lbs (52,468kg)
Performance
- Power/Weight Ratio 0.854
- Wing Loading 29.7lbs/ft2 (145.1kg/m2)
- Wing Area 3,893.2ft2 (361.7m2)
- Drag Points 5490
Parts
- Number of Parts 424
- Control Surfaces 7
- Performance Cost 1,996
