Douglas DC-7 variant
Douglas DC-7 DC-7F «Speedfreighter»
Freighter conversion of the DC-7 and DC-7C from 1959, with large forward and rear cargo doors; the business that extended the type's life.
History
A second life as a freighter
From 1959 Douglas began converting DC-7s and DC-7Cs into DC-7F freighters to extend their useful lives, just as jets were pushing them out of passenger work. The conversion adds large forward and rear freight doors and removes some cabin windows.
The series' conversions were not all alike. Besides the DC-7F, the FAA approved DC-7B Cargo and DC-7C cargo configurations; some original DC-7 aircraft were converted and redesignated DC-7B Cargo. Depending on the case they could include a large main-deck cargo door and cargo floors, and certain aircraft were further modified to meet Class E main-cabin cargo compartment requirements. Operators' records also show DC-7BF and DC-7CF, freighter conversions of the DC-7B and DC-7C.
The "Speedfreighter" conversion cost around $166,112 (£115,000) per aircraft, a fraction of the price of a new machine and the reason so many DC-7s ended their careers carrying freight.