DOUGLAS DC-10

1971’€“91

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Douglas DC-10 is a trijet wide-body aircraft designed for cost-effective passenger transport, capable of seating 225-380 people and operating economically over ranges from 300 to 3,200 miles while utilizing airports with shorter runways.
  • It is powered by three turbofan engines—two mounted under the wings and a third above the aft fuselage—with specific engine types and thrust varying across its series.
  • Four versions were built (Series 10, 20, 30, 40), including extended-range variants and a convertible freighter, distinguished by their engines (General Electric or Pratt & Whitney) and thrust ratings.
  • The Series 30, an extended-range variant, boasts a top speed of 610 mph, a cruise speed of 578 mph, a range of 4,375 miles, and a service ceiling of 34,000 feet.
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STANDARD DATA: (Series 30) Seats 225-380. Gross wt. 555,000. Empty wt. 263,500. Fuel capacity 35,800. Engines 49,008-lb. s.t. General Electric turbofans.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 610. Cruise mph 578. Landing mph 167. Initial climb rate 3,000. Range 4,375. Ceiling 34,000. Takeoff distance (35′) 11,670. Landing distance (50′) 5,960.

The Douglas DC-10 is designed to carry more passengers for less cost while still retaining a capability for utilizing airports with shorter runways. It is capable of operating economically over ranges from 300 to 3,200 miles. Standard seating accommodations are for 270 mixed-class passengers or for a maximum of 380. The DC-10 is powered by three turbofan engines; two are mounted on pylons beneath the wings and the third is installed above the aft fuselage at the base of the rudder. Four versions were built. The initial Series 10 had 40,000lb. s.t. General Electric turbofans. The extendedrange Series 20 had Pratt & Whitneys rated at 47,000 or 50,000 lbs. s.t. wet. The Series 30 was the same as the Series 20 but with General Electric engines. The Series 40 was a convertible freighter with Pratt & Whitney engines.

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