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DC-2

Douglas Aircraft Company · Interwar (1919–1938)

DC-2 — Fixed Wing
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The Douglas DC-2 was the productionised successor of the DC-1 — an improved 14-passenger twin-engine airliner that established Douglas's commercial dominance. Donald Douglas designed the DC-2 in 1933-1934; first flight 11 May 1934. About 156 DC-2s were built between 1934 and 1939 at Douglas Santa Monica + Fokker-licensed European production. The aircraft served TWA + American + Pan Am + KLM + ~20 international operators 1934-1955.

The DC-2 used 2 × Wright R-1820 Cyclone 9-cylinder radial engines (710-875 hp depending on variant). Maximum speed 338 km/h, range 1,600 km, service ceiling 6,800 m. Capacity: 14 passengers + 2-3 crew. The aircraft refined the DC-1 with stretched fuselage + improved engines + refined controls. The DC-2 was the first widely-successful all-metal stressed-skin commercial airliner — establishing the configuration that all subsequent twin-engine airliners adopted.

DC-2 service was concentrated in TWA + American + KLM + Pan Am main-line routes 1934-1942. KLM's PH-AJU "Uiver" famously placed second in the 1934 MacRobertson Air Race (England to Australia, 18,200 km in 90 hours 13 minutes) — beating most race-aircraft competitors despite being a regular commercial DC-2 carrying scheduled passengers + mail. Wartime C-32 + C-33 + C-34 military variants served U.S. Army Air Forces. About 2 DC-2 airframes survive in 2026 — including 1 airworthy at the Yankee Air Museum, Michigan.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Douglas DC-2 was a passenger airplane built in the 1930s. It could carry 14 passengers and a crew of two or three. Donald Douglas and his team designed it in 1933 and 1934. The first DC-2 flew on May 11, 1934.

The DC-2 was special because it was made of metal all over. No other popular airliner had used this design before. It became the model that later twin-engine airliners copied. Airlines like TWA, Pan Am, and KLM all flew the DC-2.

The plane had two powerful engines called Wright Cyclones. It could fly faster than 200 miles per hour. It could also travel about 1,000 miles before needing more fuel. That was very impressive for the 1930s.

A famous DC-2 called the "Uiver" raced from England all the way to Australia in 1934. That journey was longer than the width of many countries combined. The Uiver came in second place — even though it was a regular passenger plane racing against special race planes!

About 156 DC-2s were built between 1934 and 1939. They flew with around 20 airlines across the world. Some DC-2s were still in service as late as 1955.

Fun Facts

  • The DC-2 could carry 14 passengers, which was a big deal for airliners in the 1930s.
  • The famous KLM 'Uiver' DC-2 flew from England to Australia — longer than flying across the Pacific Ocean.
  • The Uiver finished the England-to-Australia race in about 90 hours, beating most purpose-built race planes.
  • The DC-2 was faster than a speeding train, topping out at over 200 miles per hour.
  • About 156 DC-2s were built, and they served airlines for over 20 years.
  • The DC-2 was the first widely successful all-metal airliner — every part of its skin was made of metal.
  • The DC-2 was larger than a school bus, making it one of the biggest passenger planes of its day.
  • Airlines like TWA, Pan Am, American, and KLM all trusted the DC-2 for their important routes.

Kids’ Questions

How many passengers could the DC-2 carry?

The DC-2 could carry 14 passengers at one time. It also had a crew of two or three people flying and looking after everyone on board.

What made the DC-2 so important?

The DC-2 was the first popular airliner made completely of metal. This strong design worked so well that all later twin-engine airliners copied it. It changed how planes were built forever.

What was the 'Uiver' and why is it famous?

The Uiver was a DC-2 flown by the Dutch airline KLM. It entered a famous 1934 air race from England all the way to Australia. Even though it was a regular passenger plane, it came in second place against special race planes!

How many DC-2s were ever built?

About 156 DC-2s were built between 1934 and 1939. They were made in America and also built in Europe under a special agreement. Some of these planes kept flying all the way until 1955.

Variants

DC-2 (commercial)
Standard production. ~130 built.
C-32 / C-33 / C-34 (military)
U.S. Army Air Forces military variants. ~24 built.

Notable Operators

TWA + American + KLM + Pan Am (1934-1942)
Lead commercial operators.
U.S. Army Air Forces (1936-1948)
Military C-32 / C-33 / C-34 variants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the MacRobertson Air Race?

The 1934 "London-to-Melbourne" 18,200 km air race held to celebrate Melbourne, Australia's centenary. KLM entered a commercial Douglas DC-2 (PH-AJU "Uiver") carrying scheduled passengers + mail; the aircraft placed 2nd overall (after the de Havilland DH.88 Comet special racing aircraft) + 1st in the handicap section + 1st in the commercial section. The result established the DC-2 as the world's best-performing commercial airliner + secured KLM's reputation for advanced commercial aviation.

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