Information
In addition to the luxury and spaciousness inherent in its wide cabin, the three-engine DC-10 incorporated improvements in propulsion, aerodynamics, structure, avionics, flight control systems and environmental compatibility that advanced industry
standards.
History
The multi-range DC-10 was designed and built in Long Beach, California, by Douglas Aircraft Company, now the Douglas Products Division of the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. Design of the airplane. Production was started in January 1968 and first deliveries were in l971. In a production run extending to 1989, 386 commercial DC-10s were delivered, plus 60 KC-10 tanker/cargo models built for the U.S. Air Force.
Models
Six commercial models of the DC-10 were developed, and one military model. All commercial versions of the trijet transport accommodate from 250 passengers, in a typical mixed first class and coach arrangement, to 380 in all-economy seating.
- The Series 10 model was designed for service on routes of up to 4000 statute miles (6436 km), and is powered by General Electric CF6-6 engines, each rated at 40,000 pounds (17,144 kg) takeoff thrust. The first flight was made on August 29, 1970. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification was received for airline service on July 29, 1971. First deliveries were made jointly to American Airlines and to United Air Lines. Scheduled commercial flights began August 5, 1971.
- The intercontinental range Series 40, powered by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft JT9D turbofan engines, with non-stop range up to approximately 5800 miles (9322 km), was introduced to service in 1972.
- The Series 30, an intercontinental model with a range of approximately 5900 miles (9493 km), also introduced in 1972, is equipped with General Electric CF6-50 fanjets.
- The DC-10 Convertible Freighter first delivered in 1973, can be arranged to carry all passengers or all cargo and is available in the basic Series 10, Series 30 or Series 40. All versions have available cargo space of more than 16,000 cubic feet (452.8 cu m), as much capacity as four 40-foot (12.19 m) railroad freight cars, or up to 380 passengers.
- The Series 15, launched in 1979, combines the basic smaller airframe of the Series 10 with a version of the more powerful engines used on the longer range Series 30s. The combination gives the Series 15 outstanding performance with full loads from high altitude airports in hot climates.
- The DC-10 Series 30F, an all-freighter model, was ordered by Federal Express in May l984. First delivery was made January 24, l986. This pure freighter version will carry palletized payloads of up to 175,000 pounds (79,380 kg) more than 3,800 miles (6,115 km).
- A military variant of the DC-10 is the U.S. Air Force KC-10 tanker/cargo aircraft, adapted from the Series 30CF for aerial refueling and cargo transport. Sixty were built and delivered to the USAF.
Engines
The DC-10's General Electric and Pratt & Whitney power plants represented significant advances in engine performance and technology over earlier jet engines. The high bypass ratio turbofans yield lower specific fuel consumption, lower noise levels, smokeless exhaust, easier maintenance and design for high reliability. Thrust ratings range from 40,000 to 54,000 pounds (17,144 to 24,494 kg). Two engines are mounted beneath the wings; the third is above the aft fuselage at the base of the vertical stabilizer.
Cabin
The wide DC-10 cabin interior with its broad ceiling results in a roomy spaciousness. Two aisles run the length of the cabin. earlier jet transports, providing a level of passenger comfort and convenience that set a new standard in air travel. Galleys can be installed on the lower deck or in a section of the aft cabin, both areas well separated from passengers. An advanced air conditioning and cabin pressurization system provides separate automatic temperature controls for the three main cabin sections and for the cockpit and lower galley, assuring optimum comfort for all passengers regardless of load density in the different areas.
Other Improvements
The airplane was designed specifically to be a "good airport neighbor," operating from existing runways, taxiways and loading areas. Although each engine produces more than twice as much takeoff thrust as the most powerful engines on first-generation jetliners, the DC-10 power plants are significantly quieter. The DC-10 was the first commercial transport to be certified under the stringent FAA Stage 3 regulations governing sound levels for new aircraft, and it also complies with international noise standards.
DC10 - Aircraft Profiles - Aviation Resource Center
