The Douglas DC-3 is an American, fixed-wing, propeller aircraft that revolutionised air transport in the 1930s and ‘40s.
Built by aircraft manufacturer Donald Douglas, a DC-1 was originally developed for Transcontinental and Western Airline (TWA), allowing it to compete with rival United Airline’s Boeing 247. In 1935, American Airlines persuaded a reluctant Douglas to design a sleeper style aircraft as well as a 21-seat passenger version, which was given the designation DC-3.
The amenities of the DC-3 popularized air travel in the United States. With only three re-fueling stops, flights were able to cross the United States eastbound in 15 hours. Westbound trips took 17.5 hours, which was a significant improvement over the Boeing 247. Passengers were soon eager to fly on the DC-3, which eliminated the need for shorter-range aircraft hopping during the day, coupled with train travel at night.
The DC-3 went on to become a popular aircraft with military, cargo, private and commercial airlines. A number of aircraft companies attempted to design a replacement over the next three decades, but no aircraft could match the versatility, reliability and economy of the DC-3. It remained a significant part of air transport systems well into the 1970s – with many still in the air today.
Operators: American Airlines, TWA, United, KLM, U.S. Military
Manufacturer: Donald Douglas
Country: United States
First Flight: December 17, 1935
Maximum Altitude: 23,200 ft (7,100 m)
Operating Range: 2420km (1307nm)
Crew: 2
Cruise Speed: 180 kn; 333 km/h
Engine: 2 × Pratt & Whitney R-1830-S1C3G Twin Wasp radial piston engines, 1,200 hp (890 kW) each
Height: 16 ft 11 in (5.16 m)
Length: 64 ft 8 in (19.7 m)
Wingspan: 95 ft 2 in (29.0 m)
Passenger Capacity: 21–32 passengers
Operating Weight (Empty): 16,865 lb (7,650 kg)
Maximum Take-off Weight: 25,199 lb (11,430 kg)
Did you know? In 2011 there were over 400 DC-3s in operation around the world.
The YVR Connection: Last week, a DC-3 was spotted from the South Terminal Viewing Platform. The Great Silver Fleet (Eastern Air Lines) is one of the oldest DC-3s in operation today, with more than 91,000 hours on the airframe, among the highest in the world for an aircraft today.