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Gann, Harry (audio interview #1 of 1)
INTERVIEW DESCRIPTION - This interview consists of only fifteen minutes of material. Neither the date of the interview nor the interviewer's name is provided.
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- 2020-10-27
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- *** File: cbhgann1.mp3 Audio Segments and Topics: (0:00-3:24)... In 1920, Douglas Aircraft opened its first plant in Santa Monica. In 1940, the company opened a plant in Long Beach and began producing airplanes for the war effort. In the 1960s, the company consolidated its facilities and has predominantly operated in Long Beach ever since. Gann worked for Douglas for 25 years, 10 years as an engineer and the remaining as an historian in the Marketing Department. He uses history in marketing the company and collects historical data for this purpose. (3:24-7:10)... Donald Douglas moved to California in 1920 to start his own aviation company. The first airplane produced by Douglas was called the "Cloudster," a wooden biplane that was marketed for its ability to fly nonstop around the country. This airplane was followed by a Navy torpedo bomber, a transcontinental airplane, an observation airplane, and a military transport airplane. In 1932, Douglas contracted with TWA to build the DC1, which was followed by the DC2 and the DC3, the standard airplane for transcontinental travel. By the early 1930s, Douglas Aircraft designed and manufactured 95 percent of the transport airplanes in the world. Economic fluctuations and decreasing demand caused Douglas Aircraft to merge with McDonnell in the mid-1960s in order to create a "broader base of business to operate from." (7:10-7:46)... When jet engines were introduced, Douglas Aircraft manufactured the DC8. However, the airplane had more power than physical capacity, which is why the airplane evolved into the Stretch DC8. This aircraft was enlarged in order to provide more passenger and/or cargo room. (7:46-9:15)... During WWII, Douglas Aircraft opened additional plants in Chicago, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City in order to increase production of war airplanes. Gann provides the names of the airplanes produced for the military during the war. (9:15-10:35)... Gann believes that Douglas Aircraft is a household name all over the world because of the company's transport and military airplanes. In addition to common notoriety, Douglas Aircraft also uses advertising and the media to sell aircraft. (10:35-11:21)... In addition to competing with aviation companies such as Lockheed and Boeing, Douglas Aircraft also competes with aircraft producers in England, France, and Germany. (11:21-13:12)... Gann discusses the potential production of aircraft at Douglas, indicating that supersonic, short range, and cargo transports are future prospects of development. (13:12-14:44)... The "Guppy" was produced by Douglas to carry large cargo, such as fuselage from the DC10 from their San Diego plant to Long Beach. The Guppy also carried large products and materials for other companies, but its use has decreased over the years. (14:44-15:52)... When this interview was obtained, Douglas Aircraft was in the process of modifying their existing airplanes. For instance, the DC10 was being enlarged and transformed into a cargo plane. Gann believes that Douglas will produce supersonic transports within the next ten years once engineering innovation improves and they are able to solve the problems of supersonic traveling relative to fuel consumption and sound. End of tape.
- SUBJECT BIO - Harry Gann was a historian and the archivist for Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach. TOPICS - Douglas Aircraft; history and marketing of Douglas Aircraft; production during WWII; Stretch DC8; DC10 modifications; and future production goals including short range planes and supersonic transports; This interv
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