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:

In the early 1930s, the U.S. airline industry struggled with profitability, relying on mail contracts, and faced safety issues, prompting TWA to seek a new, highly capable aircraft.
Donald Douglas accepted TWA's demanding specifications, leading to the development of the DC-1, an innovative aircraft featuring advanced aerodynamic designs and improved safety features.
The DC-1's refinements resulted in the DC-2, which offered increased passenger capacity, speed, and luxury, and was capable of making profits solely from passenger fares.
The DC-2 quickly surpassed competitors like the Boeing 247, establishing new precedents for transcontinental air travel and profoundly impacting the commercial aviation industry.

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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.