The technology that combined to make the DC-3 an unbeatable success

James Kightly examines the technology that combined to make the DC-3 an unbeatable success The DC-3 was initially developed as a widened sleeper version of the successful DC-2 airliner, being called the Douglas Sleeper Transport or DST. Reconfigured as a straight airliner with 21 passenger seats, rather than 14-16 sleeper berths, it became the ‘Douglas Commercial Three’. With a wider cargo door and greater floor strength, it was further developed into a range of military versions, the most numerous