SUPER DC-8 AFRICAN SAFARI

Once Boeing had begun development of its 707, Douglas was eager to proceed with a jet-powered airliner of its own for fear of losing market position. Initiating a crash program, Douglas succeeded in flying the first DC-8 three years after the project began. Although outwardly similar to the competing 707 with a swept low-mounted wing and four podded turbojet engines, the DC-8 incorporated many innovations of its own, including advanced servicabilty and reliabilty features.

Initial production models were all of similar dimensions and weights but differed in engine installation, taking advantage of rapid advancements in propulsion engineering. While the DC-8 Series 10 and Series 20 were intended for domestic use, the Series 30 was the first with true intercontinental range. Series 50 aircraft introduced a new cabin layout allowing a greater number of passengers, and this was also the first model built in dedicated cargo variants.

However, the major production variant was the Super 60 series introduced in 1967. This series consisted of the lengthened DC-8 Super 61 carrying up to 259 passengers, the long-range DC-8 Super 62, and the long-range DC-8 Super 63 with a lengthened fuselage. As fuel efficiency and noise concerns became more important during the 1970s, many of these later models were equipped with new advanced turbofan engines and redesignated as the Super 71, Super 72, and Super 73, respectively.

Although the last of 556 DC-8s was delivered on 13 May 1972, the DC-8 Super 70 remains in use, especially with shipping carriers. Numbers in service are dwindling, however, as these aircraft are being replaced by newer cargo freighters.

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