Douglas DC-6

DC-6A, British Eagle. Photo: Carmen v/d Werf

The Douglas DC-6 was Douglas’ most successful four engine piston airliner.

The DC-6 was developed as a response to a military airlift requirement in World War 2. The C-54 impressed the USAAF and they ordered the development of an improved and larger variant. The designation: YC-112.

By the time the Second World War ended the requirements no longer stood, and therefore Douglas continued to develop the YC-112 as an airliner resulting into the DC-6.

During the Korean War military interest was renewed resulting in the C-118 and USN R6D-1. Witch were built in large numbers. Later these planes found their way too many airlines.

Developing Nation: United States
First flight(s): (YC-112) February 15th 1946
First civilian delivery: March 1947 to US Airlines
Crew: Three, or Four
Passengers: DC-6: Typically between 48 and 56
DC-6B: Typically 54, but a max. of 102
Task: DC-6A: optimized for freight
DC-6B: optimized for passengers
DC-6C: Convertible passenger/freight
Wing Span: 35,81 m
Wing Area: 135,9 m²
Length: 30,66 m
DC-6B: 31,18 m
Height: 8,66 m
DC-6B: 8,74 m
Operating empty weight: DC-6: 23840 kg.
DC-6B: 25110 kg.
Max. take-off weight: DC-6: 44129 kg.
DC-6B: 48534 kg.
Engine (s): DC-6: Four 1800 hp. Pratt & Whitney Double Wasp R-2800-CA15 18 cylinder twin row radial piston engines (maximum output 2400 hp) with water injection. Driving three blade constant speed Hamilton Standard propellers.
DC-6B: Four 2500 hp R-2800-CB17’s
Cruise Speed: DC-6: 501 Kph
DC-6B: 507 Kph
Operating altitude: 7500 m.
Max. Range: DC-6: 7376 km.
DC-6B: 7595 km.
DC-6B: 4835 km. with max. payload
Production: DC-6: 174
DC-6A: 73
DC-6B: 288
C-118: 105 (Air Force DC-6)
R6D: 25 (United States Navy DC-6)

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