Summary
- The Douglas DC-6 was designed to compete with the Lockheed Constellation in the long-haul commercial sector.
- The aircraft had robust engines and impressive performance, but it lacked the well-roundedness of the Constellation.
- The DC-6 had an impressive lifespan and is still in limited service today, being spotted in various locations around the world.
First taking to the skies for commercial airlines in 1947, the Douglas DC-6 was one of many post-war pressurized airliners to be built by the manufacturer. The quad-engine aircraft was originally designed to serve as a cargo lifter, but was later modified by Douglas to compete effectively with the Lockheed Constellation.
The aircraft has remained in service for nearly eight decades, with many aircraft still flying today in a combination of cargo, military, and even wildlife control roles. In this article, we will explore the fascinating backstory and unique legacy of the Douglas DC-6.
Adapting to the conditions
The Lockheed Constellation, or 'Connie,' is a US aviation legend. Altogether, 856 units of the diverse series were built between 1943 and 1958, with the family adapting from the original to the 'Super Connie.' The initial Lockheed L-049 Constellation performed its maiden flight in January 1943 as a military freighter, before later entering civilian service in July 1945.
Douglas was working on the DC-6 to initially be used in the Second World War in the mid-1940s, but the conflict soon ended. With Lockheed causing a stir in the civil scene in the post-war market, Douglas had to shift its approach.
As such, the company reworked the program to go head-to-head with the Connie in the long-haul commercial sector. The DC-6 performed its first flight on February 15th, 1946, and entered service in March 1947 with both American Airlines and United Airlines.
The competition between these two manufacturers was fierce, with both trying as hard as possible to gain a competitive edge. In his 2002 Complete History of Flight, R G Grant had the following comments to make:
"Douglas countered with the DC-6 in 1947 and the DC-7 from 1953, repeatedly matching the Lockheeds' range and speed. The DC-6B and DC-7 were the aircraft that Pan American flew in the 1950s, along with the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser."
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Pan Am, Delta Air Lines, National Airlines, and Braniff were all early adopters of the DC-6, with the domestic DC-6-1156 providing the capacity for between 56 and 68 passengers. Internationally, the likes of SAS, KLM, BCPA, and Philippine Airlines operated the DC-6-1159 variant of the original, which had 48 to 64 seats.
Making up for its shortcomings
The DC-6's 'tube-with-wings' development didn't have the same well-roundedness of the Constellation's triple-tail, 'porpoise-body.' Nonetheless, the DC-6's robust and trusted Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engines allowed it to become a mainstay of commercial fleets.
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The initial edition and its four 2,400 hp (1,800 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-2800-CA15 Double Wasp radial engines could hit a cruise speed of 311 mph (501 km/h) and reach a range of 3,983 NM (7,377 km). Meanwhile, the DC-6B, with its four 2,500 hp (1,900 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-2800-CB17 Double Wasp radials, could cruise at 315 mph (507 km/h) and travel to a range of 2,610 NM (4,830 km) with maximum payload.
Primarily, when the DC-6 is discussed, its performance similarities and differences with the Constellation are quick to be noted. The Smithsonian Air And Space Museum shares the following about the competition between the two:
“The DC-6 was Douglas Aircraft's response to Lockheed's Constellation. Slightly longer than the DC-4 and pressurized like the "Connie," the DC-6 could carry 60 passengers and had heating elements in its wings to prevent icing. United introduced the DC-6 in 1947, and after overcoming some initial problems, it became widely used. ”
The aircraft boasted quite a few advantages over its predecessors, many of which drove customers to order the plane. Ultimately, more Constellations were built, with over 800 entering service in comparison to 704 DC-6s.
Showing its value
Bob van der Linden, former chair of the National Air and Space Museum’s aeronautics division, highlighted that the DC-6 was the apex of the development of the piston-engine aircraft. He noted additionally that the plane was in operation long after Connie stopped regular commercial service.
Photo:Soos Jozsef | Shutterstock.
Primarily, these comments come as a result of the impressive reliability of the DC-6's engines. Long after the jet age began, you could still regularly spot the DC-6 at airports across the globe. The aircraft is still in limited service today, being spotted in the likes of Namibia, Alaska, Australia, and the UK in recent years. Furthermore, one notable example has even been converted into an Airbnb.
What are your thoughts about the Douglas DC-6? How do you feel it compares to the Lockheed Constellation? Let us know what you think of the aircraft and its history in the comment section.
