Douglas Aircraft Company

The Douglas Aircraft Company was an American aerospace and defense company founded in 1921 by Donald Wills Douglas Sr. in Southern California. The company was a major player in the production of aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft, and was known for its innovative designs, including the DC-3, DC-6, and DC-8 commercial airliners, as well as the C-47 Skytrain and A-26 Invader military aircraft. It merged with Boeing in 1997 and retired the Douglas Aircraft name; its last commercial aircraft produced in 2006, with the final C-17 Globemaster III assembled in 2015.

The Douglas Aircraft Company played a significant role in the development of the aerospace industry, and its legacy continues to be felt today. The company’s innovative designs and commitment to quality helped establish it as a leader in the production of aircraft and spacecraft.