DC861

The DC861 is a model of the Douglas DC-8, a long-range, narrow-body, four-engine jet airliner developed by the American manufacturer Douglas Aircraft Company (later part of McDonnell Douglas). Introduced in 1958, the DC-8 was one of the first successful commercial jetliners and played a pivotal role in the transition from propeller-driven aircraft to jet-powered air travel.

The DC861 variant was a stretched version of the original DC-8-10, featuring an extended fuselage to accommodate more passengers. It first entered service in 1960 with United Airlines, offering improved seating capacity while maintaining the same wing and engine configuration as the earlier models. The DC861 was powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT4A turbojet engines, each producing around 13,500 pounds of thrust, allowing it to cruise at speeds of approximately 575 mph (925 km/h). Its range was approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,600 km), making it suitable for medium to long-haul flights.

The aircraft was designed with a T-tail and swept-back wings, features that contributed to its stability and performance. The DC861 could seat between 140 and 170 passengers, depending on the seating configuration, and was equipped with advanced avionics for its time, including improved navigation and communication systems. It was widely used by major airlines worldwide, including American Airlines, British European Airways, and Air France, among others.

Over its operational lifespan, the DC861 underwent several upgrades, including the installation of more powerful engines and modernized interiors. However, as newer jetliners like the Boeing 707 and later models of the DC-8 series entered service, the DC861 gradually phased out of commercial use by the late 1970s. Many of these aircraft were later converted for cargo transport or repurposed for other roles, such as VIP or military transport. The DC861 remains a notable example of early jet airliner design and a significant chapter in the history of commercial aviation.