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DC-3 American Airlines
SKU: NC10255
The Douglas DC-3 is an American fixed-wing, propeller-driven aircraft whose speed and range revolutionized air transport in the 1930s and 1940s.
Delivery 7 to 10 days
Product Description
The DC-3 was engineered by a team led by chief engineer Arthur E. Raymond, and first flew on December 17, 1935 (the 32nd anniversary of the Wright Brothers' flight at Kitty Hawk). The aircraft was the result of a marathon phone call from American Airlines CEO Cyrus Smith to Donald Douglas requesting the design of an improved successor to the DC-2. The amenities of the DC-3 (including sleeping berths on early "DST"—Douglas Sleeper Transport—models and an in-flight kitchen) popularized air travel in the United States. With only three refueling stops, eastbound transcontinental flights across the U.S. taking approximately 15 hours became possible. Westbound trips took 17 hours 30 minutes due to typical prevailing headwinds — still a significant improvement over the competing Boeing 247. Before the arrival of the DC-3, such a trip would entail short hops in slower and shorter range aircraft during the day, coupled with train travel overnight.
The D-3 was intended at the height of the depression and in the infancy of the Airline Industry by Douglas Aircraft Company. It carried 34 passengers in more comfort than previous airliners. D-3, a much faster, more efficient and safer airplane, was purchased by many airlines all around the world. Production was diverted during World War II to the C-47 military version and many civilian airliners were converted to the military requirements for use during the war. After the war, most of the DC-3s and C-47s were returned to civilian and commercial use and others were sold to allied air forces around the world. The DC-3 once again was carrying paid passengers and was still in service carrying passengers in the 1970s with a few airlines.
Today the DC-3s are relegated to aircraft museums, graveyards and occasionally a charter outfit still carrying cargo in them.
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