Boeing Boeing 737-200

Mystery Spotter 🇺🇸

24 Apr 2026 · © Unknown

NASA Boeing 737-200 on display at the museum of flight in Seattle.

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Aircraft

Boeing 737-200 DC8

NASA/Trans-Canada Air Lines historic hybrid livery

Airline

NASA / Trans-Canada Air Lines historic display

Manufacturer

Boeing

Achievements

Retro Wings, Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Livery Legend

4 badges earned

Insights

Aviation History

The Douglas DC-8 was one of the first successful commercial jetliners and was used for decades in both passenger and research roles. NASA has used the DC-8 for airborne science missions since the 1980s.

Fleet Rarity

Very rare; only a handful of DC-8s remain flying worldwide, and NASA\'s DC-8s are among the last in active use.

Record Flights

NASA DC-8s have flown on research missions worldwide, including polar and atmospheric research, and have landed at remote and extreme airports.

Safety & Events

NASA\'s DC-8 fleet is known for conducting critical atmospheric and environmental research, including participation in missions studying climate and earth systems.

Future Outlook

Preserved; most DC-8 research aircraft are retired and some are on display.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney JT3D (most common on DC-8-50/60/70)

Engine

45.18 m

Wingspan

45.87 m (DC-8-61/62/63)

Length

8,080 km

Range

876 km/h

Speed

189 passengers (typical in original airline configuration) or varied scientific payload for NASA version

Capacity

147,400 kg (DC-8-61/62)

MTOW

12.9 m

Height

16,800 lbf (JT3D-3B, each)

Thrust

Noisier than modern jets, does not meet current ICAO Chapter 4 noise limits

Noise