McDonnell Douglas DC-10

摘要

Douglas started work on the DC-10 in response to a set of requirements outlined by American Airlines. In April 1966, the carrier circulated a statement of its requirements to seven airframe manufacturers, covering a new, larger commercial aircraft to meet the expected growth in passenger numbers, although it still needed to be able to fly from existing runways used by Boeing 707s. American Airlines originally envisaged a twin-turbofan aircraft to meet its needs, but this figure later increased to three. The new type had to be able to operate economically on flights ranging from 300 - 6,100 miles (483 - 9,817km) depending on variant, carrying either 270 mixed class passengers or up to 380 passengers in an all-economy layout. One company taking an interest in the American Airlines' requirement was Lockheed, which launched its L-1011 TriStar on April 1, 1968. By then, Boeing was already working on its Model 747 and the three aircraft became the combatants in what the press dubbed 'the wide-body war' during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Each design had its successes and setbacks, though the DC-10 is - unfairly - remembered for the latter.