How the Douglas Aircraft Company Created the DC-3, Part 1

Was it the greatest airplane of its time—or all time?

Scott Mall

Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 07:27 AM ET

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Twelve TWA DC-3s and DC-2s lined up at Newark Airport in the late 1930s. [Courtesy: airhistory.net]

Key Takeaways:

The Douglas DC-3 (and its predecessors) is celebrated for revolutionizing air travel by making it profitable for airlines through passenger revenue, removing reliance on government mail subsidies.
The DC-series aircraft were developed in response to Transcontinental and Western Air's (TWA) demanding requirements for a safer, more capable, and profitable airliner, spurred by industry challenges and a competitor's market advantage.
Douglas Aircraft successfully engineered the DC-1 and DC-2 to meet rigorous performance specifications, including challenging single-engine takeoff capabilities, making them technologically superior to contemporary aircraft like the Boeing 247.
The DC-2, with its increased capacity and luxury, quickly outpaced the Boeing 247, establishing new standards for comfort, speed, and transcontinental commercial air travel.

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According to Boeing (NYSE: BA), which through acquisitions owns what began as the Douglas Aircraft Company, “The Douglas DC-3, which made air travel popular and airline profits possible, is universally recognized as the greatest airplane of its time. Some would argue that it is the greatest of all time.” While it might sound biased, many would agree.

The DC-3 was not only comfortable and reliable, it also made air transportation profitable. C.R. Smith—who is considered one of the giants of U.S. airline history—became the president of American Airlines following the reorganization of American Airways into the new company. Smith was significantly involved in the airplane’s evolution from the beginnings of the Douglas Commercial series. According to simpleflying.com, Smith said the DC-3 was the first airplane that could make money just by hauling passengers, without relying on government mail subsidies.