DC-8-73 variant

About the Douglas DC-8-70 variant

The DC-8-71, DC-8-72, and DC-8-73 were straightforward conversions of the -61, -62 and -63 primarily involving the replacement of the JT3D engines with the more fuel-efficient CFM International CFM56-2, a high bypass turbofan, which produced 22,000 lbf (98.5 kN) of thrust. The conversions also includes new nacelles and pylons built by Grumman Aerospace. Maximum takeoff weights remained the same, but there was a slight reduction in payload because of the heavier engines. Modifications to create the -71 was more involved because the -61 did not have the improved wings and relocated engines of the -62 and -63.

All three models were certified in 1982 and a total of 110 60-series Super DC-8s were converted by the time the program ended in 1988.DC-8 series 70 conversions were overseen by Cammacorp with CFMI, McDonnell Douglas, and Grumman Aerospace as partners. Cammacorp was disbanded after the last aircraft was converted.

A UPS Douglas DC-8-73F

Current DC-8 operators

As of January 2024, two DC-8s are in commercial service with Congolese cargo airline Trans Air Cargo. These are DC-8-62s (9S-AJG and 9S-AJO).

In the U.S, the DC-8 has been retired from commercial service entirely; only one example maintains active registration (with one flying). Samaritan's Purse (a faith-based humanitarian relief organization) has operated a DC-8-72 Combi (acquired from Air Transport International) since 2015.

A Lufthansa Cargo Douglas DC-8-73F

In-game

Credits

Wings, engines, vertical stabilizer, horizontal stabilizer, and landing gear made by Galactasia

Original aircraft made by Galactasia