Douglas Aircraft Collection

An American A-26 Invader bomber. Circa 1944

WWII: FACTORY, 1942. A woman doing electrical assembly and installation on an aircraft at the Douglas Aircraft plant in Long Beach, California. Photograph by Alfred T. Palmer, October 1942

WWII: FACTORY, 1942. Women installing an aircraft engine at the Douglas Aircraft plant in Long Beach, California. Photograph by Alfred T. Palmer, October 1942

ARMY TEST PILOT, 1942. F. W. Hunter, an Army test pilot at the Douglas Aircraft
ARMY TEST PILOT, 1942. F.W. Hunter, an Army test pilot at the Douglas Aircraft Company plant in Long Beach, California. Photograph by Alfred Palmer, October 1942

WWII: WORKER, 1942. Women assembly line workers on their lunch break at the Douglas Aircraft Company factory in Long Beach, California. Photograph by Alfred Palmer, 1942

A woman riveter working on an A-20 Havoc light attack bomber at the Douglas Aircraft Company plant in Long Beach
WORLD WAR II: RIVETER, 1942. A woman riveter working on an A-20 Havoc light attack bomber at the Douglas Aircraft Company plant in Long Beach, California, October 1942. Photographed by Alfred T

An African-American and Asian-American at work at the Douglas Aircraft factory in Los Angeles, California
DOUGLAS AIRCRAFT FACTORY. An African-American and Asian-American at work at the Douglas Aircraft factory in Los Angeles, California, during World War II

Two women at work at the Douglas Aircraft Company factory in California, during World War II
DOUGLAS AIRCRAFT FACTORY. Two women at work at the Douglas Aircraft Company factory in California, during World War II

An African-American man and an Asian-American man at work at the Douglas Aircraft Company factory in Los Angeles
DOUGLAS AIRCRAFT FACTORY. An African-American man and an Asian-American man at work at the Douglas Aircraft Company factory in Los Angeles, California, during World War II

Women workers preparing transparent plastic noses for bomber aircraft on an assembly line at Douglas Aircrafts Long
WORLD WAR II: FACTORY, 1942. Women workers preparing transparent plastic noses for bomber aircraft on an assembly line at Douglas Aircrafts Long Beach, California, plant during World War II

Test Model Of Skybolt Missiles
Wichita, Kansas: 1959. Test models of Douglas Aircraft Skybolt missiles nestle under a B-52 wing at Boeing Aircrafts Wichita Division

WWII Aircraft Factory
Santa Monica, California: c. 1942. A Douglas Aircraft plant using extremely hard rubber as part of the dies to cut and form aluminum parts for airplanes for the World War II production effort

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"Douglas Aircraft: Pioneering Aviation Excellence Through the Ages" Step back in time to witness the remarkable legacy of Douglas Aircraft, a name synonymous with aviation innovation and excellence. From their early ventures into research aircraft to their vital contributions during World War II, this American company left an indelible mark on the industry. In 1944, an awe-inspiring A-26 Invader bomber took flight, showcasing Douglas Aircraft's commitment to developing cutting-edge military aircraft. This formidable machine symbolized power and precision as it soared through the skies, protecting our nation during wartime. The High-Speed Research Station became a hub for groundbreaking discoveries in 1955. Amongst its impressive fleet was the X-1E and D-558-II aircrafts - testaments to Douglas Aircraft's unwavering pursuit of pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers. During WWII, women played a pivotal role in supporting the war effort at Douglas Aircraft factories. With determination and skill, they meticulously assembled electrical components and installed engines onto these magnificent flying machines. Their dedication ensured that our brave soldiers had reliable aircraft that could withstand any challenge thrown their way. Not only did women contribute immensely to this era-defining chapter of history but so too did individuals from diverse backgrounds. African-American and Asian-American workers stood side by side at the Los Angeles factory, united by their shared passion for aviation excellence. Together, they defied stereotypes and shattered barriers while leaving an enduring impact on both society and technology. As lunch breaks provided moments of respite amidst tireless workdays, assembly line workers gathered together at Douglas Aircraft factories in 1942. These brief respites fostered camaraderie amongst colleagues who were driven by a common purpose – building exceptional airplanes that would shape history itself. Captured through Alfred T. Palmer's lens is an iconic image of a woman riveter diligently working on an A-20 Havoc light attack bomber in Long Beach, California.