SH72511 DC-2 ‘Transport Revolution’
DC-2 ‘Transport Revolution’ In August 1932, the Trans World Airlines called on five aircraft manufacturers to submit proposals for a new transport aeroplane based on TWA's specifications. Douglas company accepted that challenge and decided to design a highly advanced twin engine aircraft. The first prototype known as the DC-1 (Douglas Commercial No.1) took to the air for the first time on 1 July 1933. TWA placed an order for 20 production aircraft which were redesignated the DC-2 and had Wright Cyclone SGR-1820-F3 power plants, their fuselage was a bit longer and accomodated 14 passenger seats. The first of the DC-2s took off on 11 May 1934 and its flying career with the TWA commenced on 18 May. Regular flight operations of DC-2 began in July. The Douglas factory manufactured about 200 DC-2s which went to serve both with civilian operators and the military. A licence was also bought by Japanese Nakajima that produced six aircraft for domestic Dai Nippon Koku Kobush...