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Douglas Aircraft Company

American company

Quick Summary

The Douglas Aircraft Company was an American aerospace manufacturer founded in 1921 by Donald Douglas. The company initially focused on government contracts, producing aircraft like the Douglas World Cruiser, which completed the first around-the-world flight in 1924.

Douglas became renowned for its commercial airliners, particularly the DC-3, introduced in 1935. This aircraft revolutionized air travel with its comfort, reliability, and affordability, becoming the best-selling commercial airframe in history. During World War II, the company produced significant numbers of military aircraft, including bombers and transports. Post-war, Douglas continued its success with piston-engine airliners like the DC-6 and DC-7, and later ventured into jet transports with the DC-8, DC-9, and DC-10. In 1967, Douglas Aircraft merged with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation to form McDonnell Douglas Corporation.123

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