In early 1942, Douglas began development of the C-74 Globemaster I. This large four-engine transport would meet the need for an aircraft that could support the demands of a global logistics network with larger payload and transoceanic range. A contract was awarded to Douglas to build 50 of the giant planes. Development took longer than expected, and the first aircraft did not fly until just after the end of the war. By then the government was canceling or reducing all aircraft production, including the production run of the C-74, which was reduced to just 14 aircraft.