Aircraft DC-8 Freighter DC-8 Pallet Locations Pallet Positions The DC-8 "Stretch Eight" Freighter has 88 main cabin pallet positions. The pallets are standard 88" x 125" Type A Class II. The pallets are arranged such that the longer dimension spans side-to-side for the first 17 pallet positions, and nose-to-tail in the aft position. The aft position is also pinched in height and width, due to the converging curvature of the fuselage at the tail. Each of the pallet positions accommodates different weight, depending on the series and modification of the aircraft. Generally speaking, those positions directly over the wing spar have the greatest load carrying capability, and those closest to the nose and tail, the least. DC-8 Cargo Compartments Cargo Compartments Similar to the B707 and B727, the cargo versions of the DC-8 have a main deck, and two lower cargo compartments, one forward of the wing, and the other aft. Main deck fuselage cross sections are dimensionally equivalent with the B707. The lower compartments are capable of handling bulk cargo only. The forward lower compartment has a larger door and greater volume than the aft. Due to the small size of the aft lower compartment door, not much of the equipment supplied here is able to utilize the aft compartment volume, whether assembled or collapsed. DC-8 Cross Section Background Flown for the first time in May of 1958, the DC-8 aircraft entered commercial service in September of 1959. The DC-8 shares the same basic configuration as the Boeing 707, except most notably, the wing has less sweep. There are several types, or series, of the same basic aircraft, with the first designated the -10 series, and the -60 series being the last manufactured. A -70 series subsequently appeared through a re-engining of series 61,62, and 63 aircraft with turbofan engines. In all, 556 aircraft were manufactured by McDonnell Douglas when production ended in 1972. Different versions of each series were produced with varying configurations. "CF" designates convertible passenger/cargo aircraft; "AF designates windowless freighter; and "F" designates the freighter configuration. A designation letter is not used for the standard passenger configuration. Because of the longer fuselage, range, and lift, the -61 and -63, or "Stretch Eights" are the most popular series for cargo operations. Specifications The specifications and graphics provided apply specifically to the DC-8-61F aircraft. While this information is intended to serve as a general guideline of aircraft capabilities, always check with the aircraft operator for exact dimensions and loading requirements. Exact configurations can vary considerably from aircraft to aircraft. Maximum cabin load 96,400 lbs. (43,727 kg) Main deck container capacity 18 positions Maximum payload range 2,400 statute miles (3,862 km) Main cargo door dimensions 90.3" high x 140.0" wide (229.4 x 355.6 cm) Lower forward cargo door dimensions 54.0" high x 63.0" wide (137.2 x 160.0 cm) Lower aft cargo door dimensions 36.0" high x 44.0" wide (91.4 x 111.8 cm)

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