Production record in sight-

[The Inspector]

With all the sales generated this past week At Farnborough's Air show, Boeing has now sold 10039 737's of all series, meaning that in the very near future when # 10048 is announced, the 737 will have beaten the total production of the C-47 and it's derivatives and placing the overall total of DC-3/C-47 total production of 16079 within reach.


WHODATHUNKIT?

[shrike]

And the Beech Bonanza finally surpassed the Bf109 in production, but that doesn't make it nearly as interesting either

[The Inspector]

So, ten thousand aircraft ain't such a much huh?. The total of the 11 U.S. made commercial airliners NOT counting the 737 totals 12195, the break down;
707 all variants (not KC-135, different airframe) 1011
727 all variants 1832
747 all variants, through end of production -400 1382
757 all variants 1050
767 all variants (no tankers) 1033
777 all variants 1372
787 orders/deliveries 873/5
DC-8 all variants 556
DC-9/MD-80/717 all variants 2500
DC-10 all variants (no tankers) 386
MD-11 all variants 200
These numbers are brand new airframes, not re-engines or others-

So to equal that number you'd have to start with the first 707 delivered and breakout above 10039 very near the end of MD-80 production for the gross number, linear is another, imprecise number since at least 8 different types were still in production at the same time.
I believe that is an enviable run and significant number.

[bdk]

It is even more impressive when you consider that there have been very few purchased by the military. Most of the C-47/DC3 aircraft were ordered by the US military during WW2.

As much affinity as I have for the heritage Douglas aircraft, the facts are inescapable.

[The Inspector]

Me too! Grew up Boeing oriented and wound up being the DOUGLAS Instructor where I worked. Became a convert to 'design it simple, rugged and right' and like to think of myself as a Lakewood Ave. adjutant.

[The Inspector]

China Southern today ordered 40 more 737's pushing the total number ordered to over the C-47's number of 10048.
SILK AIR has, as of 8/04/12 ordered 54 737's which eventually will replace the A-320 derivatives currently being operated by them.