Douglas DC-8-53

The upgraded DC-8 built to extend range and performance.

Overview

Douglas United States ICAO: DC85 1961–1972 $6.5 million (1961)

The Douglas DC-8-53 was part of the Series 50 generation introduced in the early 1960s. Designed to improve fuel efficiency and extend range over earlier variants, it helped airlines expand long-haul networks. The aircraft became a key jetliner of the intercontinental era.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × Pratt and Whitney JT3D-3B
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
4 × 18,000 lbf · 80 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
189
Crew
—
Cabin width
11 ft 6 in  ·  3.50 m
Cabin height
7 ft 3 in  ·  2.21 m
Cabin length
127 ft 11 in  ·  39.00 m
Exterior length
150 ft 7 in  ·  45.90 m
Tail height
43 ft 4 in  ·  13.21 m
Fuselage diameter
12 ft 3 in  ·  3.74 m
Wing span
142 ft 5 in  ·  43.40 m
Baggage volume
1,391 ft³  ·  39.4 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
325,000 lb  ·  147,500 kg
Max landing weight
240,000 lb  ·  109,000 kg
Max payload
101,000 lb  ·  45,800 kg
Fuel capacity
23,450 gal · 88,800 L · 71,100 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
483 kt  ·  556 mph  ·  895 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
137 kt  ·  158 mph  ·  254 km/h
Range
4,960 nm  ·  5,710 mi  ·  9,190 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
36,000 ft  ·  11,000 m
Rate of climb
1,300 ft/min  ·  7 m/s
Takeoff distance
9,850 ft  ·  3,000 m
Landing distance
6,550 ft  ·  2,000 m
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Douglas DC 8 53

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Operational Context

Douglas DC-8-53 — long-range narrowbody jetliner

The DC-8 first flew in 1958, with the -53 variant entering service in 1961. This version incorporated more powerful turbofan engines and structural refinements compared with earlier models. Airlines adopted it for transcontinental and transatlantic routes as jet travel expanded rapidly.

Four Pratt & Whitney JT3D turbofan engines producing approximately 17,000 pounds of thrust (76 kN) each powered the aircraft. Cruise speed approached Mach 0.82. Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 315,000 pounds (142,882 kg), with typical seating for around 180 passengers.

The DC-8-53 contributed to the maturation of long-range jet operations in the 1960s. Many airframes were later converted to cargo use. The aircraft remains an important step in early jet transport development.