Douglas DC-6

DC-6
Douglas DC-6B of Swiss airline Balair in 1976
Role	Airliner/transport aircraft
Manufacturer	Douglas Aircraft Company
First flight	February 15, 1946
Introduction	March 1947
Status	Out of production, in limited use
Primary users	Pan American World Airways Northwest Orient Airlines Capital Airlines Delta Air Lines
Produced	1946 - 1958
Number built	704
Developed from	Douglas DC-4
Variants	Douglas DC-7

The Douglas DC-6 is a piston-powered airliner and transport aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company from 1946 to 1958. Originally intended as a military transport near the end of World War II, it was reworked after the war to compete with the Lockheed Constellation in the long-range commercial transport market. More than 700 were built and many still fly today in cargo, military and wildfire control roles.

The DC-6 was known as the C-118 Liftmaster in United States Air Force service and as the R6D in United States Navy service prior to 1962, after which all U.S. Navy variants were also designated as the C-118.

Design and development

The prototype Douglas XC-112A which first flew on 15 February 1946. Converted to DC-6 standard in 1956 and flown by TASSA of Spain from 1963 until 1965

The United States Army Air Forces commissioned the DC-6 project as the XC-112 in 1944. The Army Air Forces wanted a lengthened pressurized version of the popular DC-4 based C-54 Skymaster transport with more powerful engines. By the time the prototype XC-112A flew on 15 February 1946 the war was over, the USAAF had rescinded its production requirement for the transport, and the aircraft was converted to YC-112A, being sold in 1955.

Douglas Aircraft modified the design into a civil transport and the civil DC-6 first flew on 29 June 1946, being retained by Douglas for testing. The first airline deliveries were made to American Airlines and United Airlines on 24 November 1946. A series of inflight fires (including the fatal crash of United Airlines Flight 608) grounded the DC-6 fleet in 1947. The cause was found to be a fuel vent next to the cabin cooling turbine intake; all DC-6s were modified and the fleet was flying again after four months on the ground.

Operational history

Passengers deplaning an SAS DC-6. Note the upper row of windows, indicating this was built as the optional sleeper variant of the original length DC-6

Sabena DC-6B arriving at Manchester in 1955 after a non-stop scheduled passenger flight from New York

Universal Newsreel about the DC-6

In April 1949 United, American, Delta, National and Braniff were flying DC-6s in the United States. United flew them to Hawaii, Braniff flew them to Rio de Janeiro, and Panagra flew Miami-Buenos Aires; KLM, SAS and Sabena flew DC-6s across the Atlantic. BCPA DC-6s flew Sydney to Vancouver and Philippine flew Manila to London and Manila to San Francisco.

Pan Am used DC-6Bs to start trans-Atlantic tourist class flights in 1952. These were the first DC-6Bs that could gross 107,000 lb, with CB-17 engines rated at 2,500 hp on 108/135 octane fuel. Several European airlines followed with their own transatlantic services. The DC-6A/B/C sub-types could perhaps fly non-stop from the eastern US to Europe but needed to refuel in Newfoundland (and perhaps elsewhere) when westbound against the wind.

Douglas designed four variants of the DC-6: the basic DC-6, and the longer fuselage, higher-gross-weight, longer-range versions—the DC-6A with cargo doors forward and aft of the wing on the port (left hand side) with a cargo floor; the DC-6B for passenger work, with passenger doors only and a lighter floor; and the DC-6C convertible, with the two cargo doors and removable passenger seats.

The DC-6B, originally powered by Double Wasp engines with Hamilton Standard 43E60 constant-speed reversing propellers, was regarded as the ultimate piston-engine airliner from the standpoint of ruggedness, reliability, economical operation and handling qualities.

The military version, similar to the DC-6A, was the USAF C-118 Liftmaster; the USN R6D version used the more powerful R-2800-CB-17 engines. These were later used on the commercial DC-6B to allow international flights. The R6D Navy version (in the late 1950s and early 1960s) had Curtiss Electric constant-speed reversing propellers.^{[citation needed]}

The USAF and USN renewed their interest in the DC-6 during the Korean War, and ordered 167 C-118/R6D aircraft, some of which later found their way to civil airlines. Harry Truman's first presidential aircraft was an Air Force short fuselage DC-6 which was designated VC-118, and named "The Independence". It is preserved in the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Dayton, Ohio

Total production of the DC-6 series was 704, including military versions.

In the 1960s two DC-6s were used as transmitter platforms for educational television, based at Purdue University, in a program called MPATI (Midwest Program on Airborne Television Instruction).

Many older DC-6s were replaced in airline passenger service from the mid-1950s by the Douglas DC-7, but the simpler, more economical engines in the DC-6 has meant that the type has outlived the DC-7, particularly for cargo operations. DC-6/7s surviving into the Jet Age were replaced in front line inter-continental passenger service by Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8 aircraft.

2006 marked the 60th anniversary of the introduction of the DC-6.

Basic prices of a new DC-6 in 1946–47 was around £210,000–£230,000 and had risen to £310,000 by 1951. By 1960 used prices were around £175,000 per aircraft.

Prices for the DC-6A in 1957–58 were £460,000–£480,000. By 1960, used prices were around £296,000.

Equivalent prices for the DC-6B in 1958 were around £500,000. Used prices in 1960 were around £227,000.

Variants

Original length DC-6 of KLM at Manchester Airport in 1953

UAL DC-6 at Stapleton Airport, Denver, in September 1966

Pan Am DC-6B at London Heathrow in September 1954 on a transatlantic tourist flight

XC-112A

United States military designation of an improved version of the C-54 (DC-4); became the prototype DC-6. Eventually designated YC-112A, pressurized, P&W R-2800-83AM3 engines

DC-6

Initial production variant produced in two versions.

DC-6-1156 a 53- to 68-seat domestic variant with 2,400 hp R-2800-CA15 engines

DC-6-1159 a 48- to 64-seat trans-ocean variant with extra crew, increased fuel capacity to 4722 US Gallons, increased take-off weight to 97,200 lbs and 2,400 hp R-2800-CB16 engines.

DC-6A

Freighter variant; fuselage slightly lengthened from DC-6; fitted with cargo door; some retained cabin windows, others had windows deleted. Originally called "Liftmaster" as USAF models. The rear cargo door came standard with a built in 4,000 lb lift elevator and a Jeep. The Jeep was a public relations stunt and shortly after, dropped.

DC-6B

All-passenger variant of DC-6A, without cargo door.

DC-6B-1198A a 60- to 89-seat domestic variant with 2,400 hp R-2800-CB16 engines

DC-6B-1225A a 42- to 89-seat trans-ocean variant with increased fuel capacity to 5,512 US Gallons and 2,500 hp R-2800-CB17 engines and increased take off weight to 107,000 lbs.

DC-6B-ST

Swing tail freighter conversion to the DC-6B done by Sabena. Two converted.

DC-6C

Convertible cargo/passenger variant.

VC-118

United States military designation for one DC-6 bought as a presidential transport with special 25-seat interior and 12 beds.

C-118A

Designation of DC-6As for the United States Air Force, 101 built.

VC-118A

C-118As converted as staff transports.

C-118B

R6D-1s re-designated.

VC-118B

R6D-1Zs re-designated.

R6D-1

United States Navy designation for the DC-6A, 65 built.

R6D-1Z

Four R6D-1s converted as staff transports.

Operators

Main article: List of Douglas DC-6 operators

G-APSA in British Eagle scheme

G-APSA displaying at Hamburg

The Red Bull DC-6B landing at Salzburg

A DC-6B N7919C belonged to Reeve Aleutian Airways in 1972

Current operators

Today most DC-6s are inactive, stored, or preserved in museums; although a number are still flying in northern bush operations in Alaska and Canada, while several are based in Europe and a few other DC-6s are still in operation for small carriers in South America.

• One DC-6A, G-APSA, is based in the UK and available for private charter.
• One DC-6B is in use by Red Bull in Salzburg, Austria.
• One DC-6B V5-NCG "Bateleur" is in use with Namibia Commercial Aviation. This was the last DC-6 off the Douglas production line and the last DC-6 in the world in passenger configuration still flying commercially.
• As of 2015, several are in use as freighters or waterbombers in Canada. They are no longer used as retardant bombers in the western United States.
• As of 2011, Everts Air Cargo operates eight DC-6s and two C-46s.

Former operators

A great number of airlines and air forces from several countries included the DC-6 in their fleets at some point in time; these are further detailed in the article listing the operators of the Douglas DC-6.

Accidents and incidents

Main article: List of accidents and incidents involving the Douglas DC-6

Survivors

Harry Truman's VC-118, The Independence

Several DC-6s are preserved in museums. In all, There are 147 surviving aircraft including 47 airworthy ones.

• The most well-known is President Harry S. Truman's VC-118 Independence (s/n 46-505), which is preserved at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. The aircraft is on display in the Museum's Presidential Hangar.
• A DC-6B currently owned by Red Bull was once the private luxury transport of Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito.
• As of March 2010, there was a C-118 located in the "bone yard" of MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. This was at one time the official aircraft of the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The aircraft was often left open to the weather and has deteriorated quite a bit. The interior is damaged, but the airframe is largely intact.
• The Navy's initial R6D, Bureau Number ("BuNo") 128424, was converted along with six other 128XXX-series Buno R6Ds to VC executive transport configuration. BuNo 128424 was delivered to VR-21, NAS Barbers Point in February 1955 and remained in service 28 ¹⁄₂ more years until October 1, 1983. It was used as a flag transport for the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. BuNo 128424 is now located at the National Museum of Naval Aviation at NAS Pensacola, Florida.
• A C-118A is in the collection of the Jimmy Doolittle Air & Space Museum, located located at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. This aircraft served first in the US Air Force (s/n 51-17651), and was later transferred to the US Navy (BuNo131602).
• A DC-6B ZS-MUL #45329 named Empress of Suva is preserved on a small holding at Wallmanstahl, north of Pretoria South Africa. This aircraft was stored at Swartkop Air Force Base for over 10 years. After two years of restoration by enthusiasts, it was ferried to Wallmanstahl, where a temporary runway had to be constructed.
• A restored USAF C-118 Liftmaster is located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. This aircraft is notable as the aircraft in which Elvis Presley returned to the United States after serving in the US Army in Germany. Presently, as of October 2014, under restoration.
• DC-6B G-SIXC, built in September 1958, spent most of its life in Southeast Asia, and now resides at Coventry Airport, England. After serving with the CIA and Royal Air Lao, it was bought by Air Atlantique Group in 1987. Its last commercial flight was on October 26, 2004, although it was later featured in the 2006 James Bond film, Casino Royale. No longer flying, it has now been turned into a static restaurant based at Coventry airport, as the "DC-6 Diner".

Specifications

Variant	DC-6	DC-6A	DC-6B
Crew	Three to Four
Capacity	48-68 Passengers	28,188 lb (12,786 kg) of Cargo	42-89 Passengers
Length	100 ft 7 in (30.66 m)	105 ft 7 in (32.18 m)
Wingspan	117 ft 6 in (35.81 m)
Height	28 ft 5 in (8.66 m)
Wing Area	1,463 sq ft (135.9 m2)
Empty weight	52,567 lb (23,844 kg)	45,862 lb (20,803 kg)	55,357 lb (25,110 kg)
Max takeoff weight	97,200 lb (44,100 kg)	107,200 lb (48,600 kg)	107,000 lb (49,000 kg)
Powerplant (4x)	Pratt & Whitney R-2800-CA15 "Double Wasp" radial engine, 1,800 hp (1,300 kW) with water injection each	Pratt & Whitney R-2800-CB16 "Double Wasp" radial engine, 2,400 hp (1,800 kW) each	Pratt & Whitney R-2800-CB17 "Double Wasp" radial engine, 2,500 hp (1,900 kW) each
Propellers	Hamilton Standard 43E60 "Hydromatic" constant-speed props with autofeather and reverse thrust
Cruise speed	311 mph (501 km/h)	315 mph (507 km/h)
Fuel Capacity	4,260 US gallons (16,125 litres) 4,722 US gallons (17,874 litres)		upto 5,512 US gallons (20,865 litres)
Range	3,983 nmi (7,377 km)	2,948 nmi (5,460 km) Max payload 4,317 nmi (7,995 km) Max fuel	2,610 nmi (4,830 km) Max payload 4,100 nmi (7,600 km) Max fuel
Service ceiling		21,900 ft (6,700 m)	25,000 ft (7,600 m)
Rate of climb	1,070 ft/min (330 m/min)

A note of interest is that the diagram depicts the sleeper version of the early short fuselage DC-6. The very small windows above the standard ones permitted passengers in their Pullman-style bunks a view of the outside.

See also

• Douglas DC-4
• Canadair North Star
• Douglas DC-7
• Handley Page Hermes
• Lockheed Constellation
• Lockheed L-049 Constellation
• Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation
• Lockheed L-1649A Starliner
• Boeing 377
• List of military aircraft of the United States
• List of military aircraft of the United States (naval)

References

Bibliography

• Pearcy, Arthur. Douglas Propliners: DC-1–DC-7. Shrewsbury, UK: Airlife Publishing, 1995. ISBN 1-85310-261-X.
• Roach, J and Eastwood A.B., Piston Engined Airliner Production List, 2007, The Aviation Hobby Shop, ISBN : None
• United States Air Force Museum Guidebook. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; Air Force Museum Foundation, 1975.
• Whittle, John A. The Douglas DC-6 and DC-7 Series. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air Britain (Historians) Ltd., 1971. No ISBN.
• Winchester, Jim, ed. "Douglas DC-6". Civil Aircraft (The Aviation Factfile). London: Grange Books plc, 2004. ISBN 1-84013-642-1.
• Yenne, Bill. McDonnell Douglas: A Tale of Two Giants. Greenwich, Connecticut: Bison Books, 1985. ISBN 0-517-44287-6.

External links

• DC-6 Images
• Airliners.net on the DC-6
• Oldprops.com Many Images
• The Six
• Namibian Charter Airline