Mid Size Passenger Jets
Douglas DC-8-51
ICAO: DC85
Overview
The Douglas DC-8 was a four-engine jet airliner developed to compete in the early jet transport market. Entering service in 1959, it became a cornerstone of long-haul airline operations. The aircraft evolved through multiple series with increased range and capacity.
Specifications
Units
- Engine
- —
- Engine type
- -
- Thrust
- 19,000 lbf · 85 kN
- Avionics
- —
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 259 economy · 180 business
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- 10 ft 7 in · 3.22 m
- Cabin height
- 6 ft 11 in · 2.10 m
- Cabin length
- 145 ft 0 in · 44.19 m
- Exterior length
- 187 ft 4 in · 57.10 m
- Tail height
- —
- Fuselage diameter
- 12 ft 2 in · 3.71 m
- Wing span
- 148 ft 5 in · 45.24 m
- Baggage volume
- 2,500 ft³ · 70.8 m³
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 355,000 lb · 161,000 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 34,400 lb · 15,600 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 23,750 gal · 89,900 L · 71,900 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 518 kt · 596 mph · 959 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 1,860 nm · 2,140 mi · 3,440 km
- Fuel burn
- 0.08 nm/gal · 0.04 km/L
- Ceiling
- 35,000 ft · 10,700 m
- Rate of climb
- —
- Takeoff distance
- 10,000 ft · 3,050 m
- Landing distance
- 6,500 ft · 1,980 m
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Operational Context
Douglas DC-8 — four-engine long-range jet airliner
The DC-8 first flew in 1958 and entered airline service the following year. It was designed as a swept-wing, low-wing jet transport capable of transcontinental and transatlantic routes. Later series introduced more powerful engines and stretched fuselages.
Powered by four turbojet or later turbofan engines producing between 17,000 and 22,000 pounds of thrust (76 to 98 kN) each depending on variant, the DC-8 cruised at around 500 knots (925 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight in later models exceeded 350,000 pounds (159,000 kg). Passenger capacity varied widely across versions.
The DC-8 served airlines worldwide and later found extended life as a cargo aircraft. Its durability and adaptability allowed decades of service. The type remains an important part of early jetliner history.