North Central Airlines' 1939 Douglas DC-3 in Flight, circa 1975
THF124042 / North Central Airlines' 1939 Douglas DC-3 in Flight, circa 1975
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Artifact Overview
Minneapolis-based North Central Airlines bought DC-3 number N21728, built in 1939, from Eastern Airlines in 1952. After 13 years in passenger service, North Central converted the airplane into a VIP transport in 1965. The durable DC-3 logged almost 85,000 flight hours and traveled some 12 million miles over its 36-year career. It was donated to The Henry Ford in 1975.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Photographic print
Subject Date
circa 1975
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
EI.235.2
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Resin-coated paper
Technique
Chromogenic processes
Color
Multicolored
Dimensions
Height: 4.25 in
Width: 5.125 in
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Artifact1939 Douglas DC-3 Airplane
The Douglas DC-3, introduced in 1936, carried 21 passengers -- enough to fly profitably without relying on subsidies from air mail contracts. While the DC-3's economy appealed to airlines, its rugged construction and comfortable cabin attracted passengers. More than any other aircraft, the DC-3 ushered in the era of dependable, long-distance air travel in the United States.
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SetThe DC-3: Changing Passengers’ Expectations
- 12 Artifacts
United Airlines promoted its new Douglas DC-3 "Mainliners" in this 1937 brochure. With a range of 1,500 miles, the Mainliners flew from New York to San Francisco in less than 16 hours with only three stops along the way. The planes came in three configurations: standard 21-passenger coaches, sleepers with folding berths for 14, and "Skylounges" with deluxe swiveling seats.