The DC-10 tri-jet began as an idea 30 years ago and is now in frontline service with some of the world's largest airlines. This volume follows the aircraft's wide-body development and service history. A technical profile describes the airframe, engine and systems for each variant.

From 1970 to 1988 McDonnell Douglas built 446 DC-10s. This detailed work offers a complete listing of all 446 DC-10 and KC-10 models built, all 135 operators past and present, and includes details of usage, in-service dates, engine characteristics and more. Also includes information on USAF KC-10 Extender tanker operations. A thorough design, development and production history.

An absorbing review of McDonnell Douglas local service jetliner, the DC-9.

The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 three-engine jet is one of the most distinctive wide-bodied aircraft and since the early 1970s has been operated by many airlines on medium- and long-distance routes throughout the world. Successfully flying passenger service for over 40 years, the DC-10 currently still flies for FedEx in an airfreight delivery role. Filled with design and construction information, background history, technical data, and rare images, this book describes the exciting story of this aviation legend as flown by such current and past airlines as Aeroflot, American, Delta, Eastern, KLM, Lufthansa, Northwest, Pan Am, Qantas, SAS, Swissair, United, and many others. Also, the US Air Force has been flying the KC-10 Extender aerial-refueling tanker variant since the early 1980s. Coverage of the follow-on MD-11 series of aircraft is also included.

On June 12, 1972, a powerful explosion rocked American Airlines Flight 96 a mere five minutes after its takeoff from Detroit. The explosion ripped a gaping hole in the bottom of the aircraft and jammed the hydraulic controls. Miraculously, despite the damage and ensuing chaos, the pilots were able to land the plane safely. Less than two years later, on March 3, 1974, a sudden, forceful blowout tore through Turk Hava Yollari (THY) Flight 981 from Paris to London. THY Flight 981 was not as lucky as Flight 96; it crashed in a forest in France, and none of the 346 people onboard survived. What caused the mysterious explosions? How were they linked? Could they have been prevented? The Flight 981 Disaster addresses these questions and many more, offering a fascinating insiders' look at two dramatic aviation disasters.