P4003 DC-7C - BRANIFF

The Douglas DC-7 was an American low-wing transport and passenger plane from the post-war period. The drive was provided by four Wright R-3350-18EA-1 radial engines. The prototype flight took place in 1953. Serial production was carried out in the years 1953-1958. Approximately 340 examples of this plane were built in its course. The DC-7 was developed as a response from Douglas Aircraft Company to competing Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellatton aircraft. In order to shorten the research and development work, it was decided that the DC-7 would be a far-reaching modernization of its predecessor - the DC-6 aircraft. However, it uses completely new engines and an enlarged fuselage and wingspan. The entire structure was also strengthened. The result was a successful machine with a long range of up to 7,400 kilometers, a long flight time and the capacity to take up to 104 passengers on board. However, at the same time, jet planes (eg Boeing 707) made their debut on the civilian market, which effectively limited the role of the DC-7 in the passenger aircraft market.