Douglas DC-3
Maybe the greatest of all time? Certainly in terms of its impact. The Douglas DC-3 was arguably more important to victory in the Second World War than any fighter, bomber, tank, or warship. And don’t just take my word for it. That was D-Day commander General Eisenhower’s view. But in addition, it was also the aircraft that ushered in the modern era of mass air travel. So it won the Second World War and was the first modern airliner. What more do you need? Oh, all right then: it’s still flying and working today, and will be for decades.
First flight: December 1935
Principal operator: TWA (followed by the entire world’s air forces and airlines)
Last operational flight: Still in service
