The McDonnell Douglas DC-10F is a wide-body, three-engine, long-range airliner that was first manufactured in 1971 by McDonnell Douglas. The DC-10F was designed to compete with other wide-body airliners such as the Boeing 747 and the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar. The DC-10F was an attempt by McDonnell Douglas to enter the long-range airliner market that had been dominated by Boeing and Lockheed.

The DC-10F was designed with a spacious interior and a large cargo capacity to meet the needs of the commercial airline market. The aircraft was designed with three engines for increased efficiency and reliability. The DC-10F also featured a large wing area and a high-mounted T-tail that allowed for increased lift and improved fuel efficiency. The aircraft was also designed with large fuel tanks to provide long range capabilities.

The DC-10F was a successful aircraft, with over 500 being built and shipped. The aircraft was used by many major airlines and cargo carriers, including United Airlines, American Airlines, and FedEx. The DC-10F is still in operation today, although it is becoming increasingly rare due to its age.

The DC-10F has faced a number of safety issues over the years. In 1979, an American Airlines DC-10F crashed in Chicago due to an engine failure, resulting in the deaths of all 271 people on board. In 1989, a United Airlines DC-10F crashed in Sioux City, Iowa due to a loss of control, resulting in the deaths of 112 people. Both of these accidents have been attributed to design flaws in the aircraft.

Despite its safety issues, the DC-10F has been a successful aircraft for its time. The aircraft introduced a number of innovations, such as the use of composite materials for the construction of the fuselage and wings, as well as an advanced autopilot system. The aircraft also featured an advanced avionics system and a fly-by-wire system that allowed the pilot to control the aircraft more precisely.

The DC-10F is a unique aircraft, as it was one of the first wide-body airliners to be designed and built. The aircraft was a success for its time, and it is still in operation today. The aircraft has a long history that is filled with both successes and failures, but it will always remain an important part of aviation history.