The Douglas DC-8 (sometimes McDonnell Douglas DC-8) is a long-range narrow-body airliner built by the American Douglas Aircraft Company.After losing the May 1954 US Air Force tanker competition to the Boeing KC-135, Douglas announced in July 1955 its derived jetliner project.In October 1955, Pan Am made the first order along with the competing Boeing 707, and many other airlines followed.The first DC-8 was rolled out in Long Beach Airport on 9 April 1958 and flew for the first time on 30 May.FAA certification was achieved in August 1959 and the DC-8 entered service with Delta Air Lines on September 18.The six-abreast, low wing airliner was a four-engined jet aircraft with initial variants being 151 ft (46 m) long.The DC-8-10 was powered by Pratt & Whitney JT3C turbojets and had a 273,000 lb (124 t) MTOW, the DC-8-20 had more powerful JT4A turbojets for a 276,000 lb (125 t) MTOW.The intercontinental models had more fuel capacity and up to 315,000 lb (143 t) MTOW, powered by JT4As for the Series 30 and by Rolls-Royce Conway turbofans for the Series 40.The Pratt & Whitney JT3D powered the later DC-8-50 and freighter versions reached a MTOW of 325,000 lb (147 t).The improved Series 60 was announced in April 1965.The DC-8-61 was stretched by 36 ft (11 m) for 180–220 seats in mixed-class and a MTOW of 325,000 lb (147 t).It first flew on March 14, 1966, was certified on September 2, 1966, and entered service with United Airlines in February 1967. The long-range DC-8-62 followed in April 1967, stretched by 7 ft (2.1 m), could seat up to 189 passengers over 5,200 nmi (9,600 km) with a larger wing for a MTOW up to 350,000 lb (159 t).The DC-8-63 had the long fuselage and the enlarged wing, freighters MTOW reached 355,000 lb (161 t).The DC-8 was produced until 1972 with 556 aircraft built. It was superseded by larger wide-body airliners including Douglas' DC-10.In 1975, the Series 70 retrofit was proposed with the quieter and more fuel-efficient CFM56 turbofan.Some re-engined freighters are still in use.