Douglas DC-5 (1939-1941): Development of the DC-5 and the DC-4 began at the same time, but the DC-5 went into production first. The DC-5 was designed as a short-range transport to carry 16 to 22 passengers. Its performance was similar to the DC-3 then being used on longer routes with more passengers. The DC-5 featured a high-wing design and tricycle landing gear. This allowed passengers to step aboard to a level cabin floor just two feet above the ground. The DC-5 was the only Douglas airliner built at the plant in El Segundo, Ca. William E. Boeing bought the first DC-5. He named it “Rover” and used it as an executive aircraft. The next four went to KLM airlines. World War II resulted in the suspension of commercial aircraft deliveries as production was switched to larger and longer-range military transports. The latest seven DC-5s on the line were delivered to the U.S. Nay and Marine Corps under the designation R3D.