The Probert Encyclopaedia of Aircraft

DC-8

The Douglas DC-8 was an American four-jet, swept wing long-haul commercial airliner and military long-range medium transport of the 1960s (first flown in 1958). The DC-8 was produced in various models, or 'series', but basically carried 173 passengers (250 passengers in the Super models) at a top speed of between 873 kmh and 965 kmh.
The basic Series 10 domestic version of the DC-8 was powered by four Pratt and Whitney JT3C-6 turbojets and was first flown in 1958. The later Series 20 was powered by Pratt and Whitney JT4A-3 turbojets and first flown in 1959. The Series 30 was a long-range intercontinental version. It was powered by Pratt and Whitney JT4A-9 or JT4A-11 engines and first flew in 1959. The Series 30 was developed into the Series 40, powered by Rolls-Royce Conway Rco.12 by-pass turbojets.
Super versions of the DC-8 were developed in 1966 with an elongated fuselage carrying more passengers.
A convertible cargo-passenger transport variation, the DC-8F Jet Trader powered by turbofans was also produced in various series based on the various DC-8 airliner models.
Research DC-8