Dismantling the 1939 Douglas DC-3 Airplane for Conservation, 2002
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Artifact Overview
The Henry Ford acquired its Douglas DC-3 airplane in 1975. Due to its size, the plane initially was displayed outside Henry Ford Museum. In 2002, the plane was disassembled and thoroughly conserved to correct the effects of 27 years of weather exposure. The treated DC-3 was reassembled for display inside the museum in 2003.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Digital image
Subject Date
2002
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
EI.1929.1318
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Technique
Digital imaging
Color
Multicolored
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Related Artifacts
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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Related Content
SetRetiring “The Worlds High-Time Aircraft”
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The Henry Ford's DC-3 flew to Dearborn under its own power, landing at Ford Motor Company's proving ground -- first developed as an airport in 1924 -- on May 28, 1975. Over its 36-year career for Eastern Airlines and North Central Airlines, the plane traveled 12 million miles and logged 84,875 flying hours, a record for a commercial aircraft at the time.
article1939 Douglas DC-3 Airplane
The Douglas DC-3 did more than any other single airplane to make commercial aviation a viable industry. Ours also completed more hours in the air than any other airplane in history.