Back to Resources

Douglas DC-8 Jet Airliner and Freighter Family

The Douglas DC-8 is a four-engine long-range jet transport that first flew in 1958 and entered airline service in 1959. Its lineage grew through progressively more capable passenger and freighter series, including stretched Series 60 aircraft and quieter, more efficient CFM56-powered Super 70 conversions. The type also supported decades of NASA airborne science and, after mainstream airline and research retirement, survives only in extremely limited cargo service.

Follow this vehicle family

Alerts for directly linked future launches and major activity.

Identity

Aliases
DC-8DC-8 Series 10DC-8 Series 50DC-8 Series 60DC-8 Super 70DC-8-72DC-8-73
Family Name
Douglas DC-8
Full Name
Douglas DC-8 Jet Airliner and Freighter Family
Roles
airlinercargoresearch
Status
active
Type
aircraft

Details

Aircraft Specs
Configuration
fixed_wing
Operating Modes
land
Takeoff Landing Capabilities
conventional
Description
The Douglas DC-8 is a four-engine long-range jet transport that first flew in 1958 and entered airline service in 1959. Its lineage grew through progressively more capable passenger and freighter series, including stretched Series 60 aircraft and quieter, more efficient CFM56-powered Super 70 conversions. The type also supported decades of NASA airborne science and, after mainstream airline and research retirement, survives only in extremely limited cargo service.
First Flight Year
1,958
Manufacturer
Propulsion Configurations
  • Entries
    • Nested value
    Name
    Early DC-8 prototype JT3C installation
    Notes
    Prototype/early Series 10 installation; the existing family-level CFM56 Super 70 configuration is preserved separately.
  • Entries
    • Nested value
    Name
    DC-8 Super 70 re-engined configuration

Links

Assets & Meta

Creation Time
July 29, 2026 at 22:01:39 UTC
Updated Time
August 1, 2026 at 18:54:21 UTC