When the Douglas DC-3 was
developed in 1935 and brought into service in 1936, it was the
only aircraft large enough to make passenger service profitable.
The DC-3 had a seating capacity of 21 passengers when it was
first developed. This resulted in an increase in the number of
people booking air passage, bringing a new appetite to the
general population for flying.
The DC-3 was large for 1936, with a wingspan of 29.1 metres,
and powered with two 1,200-horse power Pratt & Whitney R-1830
Double Wasp engines.
Trans Canada Air Lines first used the DC-3 in 1945.
Although many new, larger and faster airliners were
developed, the DC-3 has had a very long life of service,
spanning 50 years. Many remained in used throughout the 1970s
and 1980s, and many still exist in flying condition today.
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