Saudi Royal Family
Former Head of State Aircraft
  
Type:DC-8-72
Douglas S/N 46084, Fuselage 473

One of the most unique and elite DC-8's ever operated. Due to a history of heart related medical problems in the Royal family, the aircraft was purchased and converted into a VIP hospital ship to fly non-stop from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to heart specialists in Cleveland, Ohio. The DC-8 complimented a Boeing 747SP that was also converted to a hospital ship a few years earlier for the late King Khalid. 

Equipped with dual APU's, an auxiliary 30,000 pound fuel tank in an aft cargo pit, beefed up brakes, hospital equipment and the amenities of royalty, this was the heaviest DC-8 ever to be certified. Maximum start of take off weight was 362,500 lbs.

Photos were taken at Dallas-Love Field prior to dismantling and parting-out the aircraft (thanks Mike!)