Douglas DC-7 Airliner DC-6 DC4 DVD
This DVD contains a collection of films on the major Douglas four-engine heavy lifter transport aircraft used by airlines around the world during the prop era - the DC7 DC-6 and DC-4 aircraft.
The DC-6 and DC-7 airliners emerged during a transformative era in aviation history, shaped by various socio-economic and technological factors.
After World War II, the airline industry experienced a dramatic surge in demand for passenger travel. This boom spurred manufacturers to innovate, offering more advanced aircraft to meet the growing expectations of speed and comfort. The DC-6 was introduced in the late 1940s as a response to this demand, providing airlines with a reliable, long-range option.
The DC-6 was equipped with the robust Pratt & Whitney Double Wasp engines and three-bladed propellers. Known for their dependability, these engines contributed significantly to the DC-6's success as a passenger aircraft, allowing them to remain in service longer due to their reliable performance.
In contrast, the DC-7 was powered by Wright Turbo-Compound engines and four-bladed propellers, which unfortunately had a reputation for being less reliable. This lack of dependability led to higher maintenance demands and operational issues, contributing to the DC-7's earlier transition from passenger service to being converted for airfreight, or ending up in scrapyards.
As the 1950s progressed, the aviation industry began transitioning from propeller-driven aircraft to jets. This shift was fueled by the desire for faster travel and more efficient fuel use. The DC-7, introduced in the mid-1950s, was a technological marvel at the time. It was specifically designed to offer longer non-stop transcontinental and intercontinental flights, catering to airlines looking to edge out competitors before jets like the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8 entered the scene.
Despite their initial success, both the DC-6 and DC-7 faced rapid obsolescence as jets quickly dominated the skies. By the late 1950s and early 1960s, airlines started receiving their first jet airliners, forcing many propeller-driven models like the DC-7 into early retirement or relegating them to shorter domestic routes. This shift was primarily driven by the jets' superior speed, range, and operational economy.
The 1960s brought about economic shifts that further influenced airlines' fleets. With the growing affluence in countries like the United States and Europe, passenger numbers soared. Airlines sought modern, efficient fleets, favoring jets that could support increased capacity and frequency, straining the feasibility of maintaining older models like the DC-6 and DC-7.
DC-6 Aircraft: There are 119 total existing DC-6s with 68 still in flying condition.
DC-7 Aircraft: There are 35 total existing DC-7s with only 12 capable of flight.
DVD Content
Film #1 - Douglas History Story - A great film by Douglas Aircraft Co. on the growth of aviation from the famous DC-3, included the DC-4, DC-6, DC7 and onto the jet age with the DC-8. Runtime is about 13 minutes.
Film #2 - DC-7 Mercury Airliner - This is a rare American Airline film covering travel on the amazing DC7 plane. Passengers board in California for a non-stop flight trip to New York. What an adventure. The DC7 was the last propeller driven airliner from the Douglas Aircraft Co. Runtime is about 29 minutes.
Film #3 - DC-6 to Yosemite - This is an United Airline film on the luxury flying on the Douglas DC-6. In this film, the destination was Yosemite. Runtime is about 5 minutes.
Film #4 - The Cargo DC4 and DC-6 - A collection of films on the DC-4 and DC-6 used as Cargo Ships. Runtime is about 6 minutes.
Film #5 - FAA Airline Safety - All over America, the FAA overseas aviation maintenance, reviews, and repairs of engines, propellers, and general oversight to keep general aviation safe. Runtime is about 24 minutes.
Film #6 - Air Transportation - A film about a day at Eastern Airline. Flying DC-4's, from checkout counters, to weather operations details, to the maintenance crews, and the pilots and stewardess flying airlines around the country. Runtime is about 11 minutes.
Film #7 - Douglas Newsreels - 1st, first and only 3 tail DC-4. 2nd, Idaho and Oregon Farmers. 3rd. DC-6 with reverse pitch propellers. 4th, DC-4 used in Nevada Hay lift to save cattle. 5th, Canada uses DC-4 for experiments. Runtime is about 7 minutes.
Total runtime for the Douglas DC-7 Airliner DC-6 DC4 DVD is about 95 minutes. Format is NTSC DVD and region-free.
