The Douglas B-18 was a military adaptation of the company's DC-2 airliner, sharing a similar powerplant, wing, and tail designs. Although obsolete by the end of 1941, the number of aircraft available made B-18s the most important long-range bomber in service with the USAAF at the time of America's entry into World War II. With the reassignment of the 17th Bombardment Group (Medium) from March AAF to McChord AAF in 1940, B-18s became the first aircraft assigned to McChord. Squadrons of the 12th and 47th Bombardment Groups followed with additional aircraft. The B-18 on display was the first aircraft acquired by the McChord Air Museum on 28 May 1983.