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When Douglas decided to proceed with construction of its first jet transport, the four-engined DC-8, on 7 June
1955, it announced that all projected versions would have the same overall dimensions. It adhered to this
policy until 1965, and the first five versions of the DC-8 have an identical airframe, with uniform electrical,
hydraulic, control and air conditioning systems. The intercontinental versions differ from the domestic models
only in having extra fuel capacity and the structural modifications needed to carry the additional fuel. The
modifications are limited to the use of thicker skin and stronger material within the wing structure, the aft
portion of the fuselage and the tailplane. The landing gear is also more robust in the case of the heavier
intercontinental versions. A total of 556 DC-8 aircraft was built. The last one was built in 1972.
| CREW | 3-5 |
| PASSENGERS | 105-189 |
| ENGINE | 4 x P+W JT-3 D-1, 75.7kN (series 50) |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 142880 kg | 314998 lb |
| Empty weight | 57000 kg | 125664 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 43.4 m | 142 ft 5 in |
| Length | 45.9 m | 150 ft 7 in |
| Height | 12.9 m | 42 ft 4 in |
| Wing area | 257.6 m2 | 2772.78 sq ft |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Cruise speed | 932 km/h | 579 mph |
| Range w/max.fuel | 11100 km | 6897 miles |
| Range w/max.payload | 9200 km | 5717 miles |
| Pat McGirl, patsqd(@)aol.com, 22.05.2008 The Convair 990 was fastest of all! | | Joseph H. Peek, peek9608(@)bellsouth.net, 30.04.2007 I was a flight engineer on the DC-8-61 & 63 for Eastern Air Lines from about 1969 through 1972 when they were sold out from under me and I was transferred to Atlanta, GA from N.Y. and returned to the co-pilot seat on the Boeing-727. I enjoyed the time I spent on the aircraft as it was most comfortable and my job was really easy. The service was great from NY to Miami and on runs to Puerto Rico, the Capt was studying for his law degree so he could fight the age 60 rule. He set the course to Puerto Rico by viewing the southern cross and then turned on the lights to study. Every now and then the lights would be turned off to check the rise of the cross and realign the course. We split the island dead on and never really paid any attention to Loran C which we had on board for tracking. The good old days I must admit were great. The food was terrific and the coffee pleantiful. I was young then too. That made a difference. Call me, 404-325-4866 Cell. in GA. | | stephen winkler, stephenswinkler2000(@)hotmail.com, 27.03.2007 The Douglas DC-8 had a 30 degree swept-wing as opposed to its competitor, the Boeing 707, which had a 35 degree swept-wing. This made the competition a faster plane. Incidentally, the Convair CV-880 also had a 35 degree swept-wing and was the fastest of the three designs. |
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