Following the 80th anniversary of the Douglas DC-4’s first flight, we thought we’d take a look at why one of its notable operators took on the type. Eight units of the model found their way to Delta Air Lines’ fleet after the end of World War II.
Covering range
While the popular propeller first flew in February 1942, it took four years to find its way to Delta’s facilities. The Atlanta-based carrier received its first DC-4 on February 12th, 1946, and entered the type the following month, on March 6th. It could be seen on routes to Fort Worth, Charleston, Savannah, Chicago, and Miami. Delta was keen to enjoy the space to be had on board the aircraft. Impressively, it offered approximately double the capacity of the DC-3 at 44 seats. Additionally, it had four times the range at 2,000 mi (3,200 km).
Fritz Schwaemmle, recruited as a Delta pilot in 1934, shared the following according to the Delta Flight Museum.
“For the first time we had on the airline, an airplane that we didn’t have to worry about fuel. We always had enough fuel on that DC-4 to go 2,000 miles, and somewhere in the United States, the weather was satisfactory for a let down within 2000 miles. So fuel was no problem…The DC-4 was very dependable airplane, had very dependable engines, had adequate anti-icing.”
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The aircraft came with a modest autopilot system that offered altitude and directional hold. It was also the first plane of the airline that was not a “tail-dragger.” It had a tricycle landing gear, which helped level the cabin when on the ground. This made the boarding of passengers easier to facilitate.
Delta also used the plane to move cargo. Photo: Delta Flight Museum
The aircraft were converted from military C-54B Skymasters, and the galley was designed by Chief Engineer J. F. Nycum. Delta’s galleys were soon made the standard for subsequent commercial productions. The carrier had put the type to good use across its network….