Douglas DC-8: books - history and models

Douglas DC-8

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The Douglas DC-8, originally developed as the Douglas Model 1881 in the 1950s, entered service a year after the Boeing 707. Douglas saw this delay as an advantage, ensuring high safety and performance standards without compromising flight quality. Unlike Boeing, it was not influenced by military requirements.
The DC-8 proved reliable worldwide, operating with airlines such as KLM, Philippine Airlines, and VIASA. Its durable airframe has allowed some of the 556 aircraft built to remain in service more than 60 years after its introduction.
Featuring over 190 images, many previously unpublished, this book explores the history of the DC-8 and the people behind its lasting success.

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DC-8 and the Flying Tiger Line

This unique book tells the story of the Douglas DC-8 jetliner in the service of air cargo giant Flying Tiger Line, with:
- a detailed individual airframe history of every one of the forty-seven DC-8s that flew for the airline;
- pilot s recollections of their time on type;
- a wealth of photographic, technical and promotional material;
- and a pair of epic historical essays.

The first essay covers the history of the airline, of American Volunteer Group pilots in China in World War 2, evolving into a fly-by-night cargo outfit in the propliner era, growing in size and sophistication until the Flying Tiger Line was a global brand in air cargo in the golden days of the jet age.

The other essay covers the DC-8 from the beginning of the Douglas story in the time of the Wright Bros right up to the last active DC-8 of today including an in-depth look at NASA s DC-8-72 flying laboratory.

Aviation journalist Charles Kennedy (Airliner World, Aviation News, Airways) and historian Guy Van Herbruggen (who led the project to rescue and restore the original Flying Tigers DC-8 simulator) have created an essential addition to every aviation enthusiasts bookshelf.

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