Douglas DC-8

The long-range jetliner that helped launch the intercontinental jet age.

Overview

Douglas United States 1958–1972 $150 million

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.