Douglas DC-4, DC-6 and DC-7: books - history

The ATL-98 Carvair : A Comprehensive History of the Aircraft and All 21 Airframes

The ATL-98 Carvair is a truly unusual aircraft. Converted from 19 C-54 World War II transport planes and two DC-4 airliners into a small fleet of air ferries by Aviation Traders of Southend, England, the Carvair allowed commercial air passengers to accompany their automobiles onboard the aircraft. The planes were dispersed throughout the world, operating for 75 airlines and transporting cars, royalty, rock groups, refugees, whales, rockets, military vehicles, gold, and even nuclear material. After more than 45 years, two Carvairs were in 2008 still in service.

This comprehensive history of the ATL-98 Carvair, begins with corporate histories and profiles of key players, including William Patterson, Donald Douglas, and Freddie Laker. Four chapters illustrate the evolution of the car-ferry as a viable aircraft, the history of Aviation Traders, engineering details incorporated into the Carvair's production, and major Carvair operators. Chapters on each of the fleet's 21 planes provide individual histories and anecdotes. Seven appendices provide several kinds of data and the book is fully indexed.

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Douglas DC-4, DC-6, and DC-7 - A Legends of Flight Illustrated History (Legends of Flight)

Donald W. Douglas, founder of the Douglas Aircraft Company, led the company to prominence in the 1930s with his successful commercial aircraft, including the iconic DC-3. The company's motto, "Depend on Douglas, " reflected its commitment to quality.
Between 1945 and 1960, the DC-4, DC-6, and DC-7 four-engine models, known as the "Big Props, " were flown by major airlines such as Pan Am, United, American, Delta, KLM, and many others.

This book covers the design, development, and operational use of these aircraft, including their military variants. It also provides technical specifications and features period photographs that highlight the significant role these early commercial airliners played in aviation history. Some of these models continue to fly today.

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The Douglas DC-6: and the Airlines that Flew it

The Douglas DC-6, introduced in 1946, was America's first major four-engine transport aircraft post-WWII. It became the most successful four-engine piston airliner produced by Douglas, with 704 units built, including military versions.
The DC-6's first production flight took place on July 9, 1946, piloted by Douglas' chief test pilot Bob Brush and co-pilot Johnny Martin. United Airlines received its first DC-6 in November 1946, followed by American Airlines in December.
Despite early challenges, including two accidents (one fatal) that grounded the fleet for four months, the aircraft returned to full service by 1947 after improvements by Douglas.
The introduction of the more powerful DC-6B, equipped with four Pratt & Whitney R-2800 CB-16 engines, significantly enhanced performance. The DC-6B became the most popular variant, widely adopted worldwide.
This book details the development, construction, and operational history of the DC-6.

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