4. Vanguard Airlines McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10 "1970-1981"

With the introduction of the Boeing 747 planned for June of 1970, Vanguard began looking to expand widebody aircraft service on a slightly smaller scale a few years prior. The airline began talks with Lockheed and the newly formed McDonnell-Douglas for a slightly smaller widebody jet, that could potentially land at smaller, less capable airports than the needs of the soon to be introduced 747 would require.

Traditionally, Vanguard Airlines had been an operator of Lockheed aircraft, as early as the 1920s. This previous operational history would sway Vanguard’s early attention to the Lockheed's L-1011 TriStar. However, it left CEO John Trahan unconvinced with it's untested and more costly British engine design in the Rolls-Royce RB211. With introduction of the DC-10 scheduled to meet the previously set goal of 1971 service entry, Vanguard Airlines would ultimately choose the DC-10 on February 22nd, 1968. This would prove fortuitous, as the L-1011 would be delayed a year due to developmental issues, ultimately putting Rolls-Royce into financial ruin. Additionally, the initial success of the Boeing 747 would stimulate the air market and increase travel numbers industry wide, something that Vanguard would benefit from with the DC-10. This decision would form a relationship with General Electric's CF6 engine that would go on to power the airlines' Airbus A300s and A310s, as well as all Boeing 767s, 747-400s, and DC-10 successor, McDonnell-Douglas MD-11s. Vanguard would, however, choose the refined Rolls-Royce RB211 for it's 757 fleet, a decision that has ultimately prolonged the service life of the aircraft past it's intended service life.

McDonnell-Douglas would put Vanguard down for 12 DC-10-10s, and an option for another 18 before 1979. Taking up all options, and ordering the extended range variant, the DC-10-30, would bring the airlines DC-10 fleet (with some second-hand acquisitions in the late 80s and early 90s) to 57. The DC-10-10 would serve with Vanguard until 1999, and the -30 until 2002, with newer MD-11s and 777-200ERs taking up the flying.