DC-8 overshadows 707

IOTL, the Douglas production delays made the 707 dominate the jet market until the 747 replaced it in 1969. The reason why the DC-8 is still in civilian service is because the airframe was easier to stretch and upgrade to modern ICAO noise standards. But WI it hadn't been delayed? Would MD, not Boeing be top dog in the jet market?
 
IOTL, the Douglas production delays made the 707 dominate the jet market until the 747 replaced it in 1969. The reason why the DC-8 is still in civilian service is because the airframe was easier to stretch and upgrade to modern ICAO noise standards. But WI it hadn't been delayed? Would MD, not Boeing be top dog in the jet market?

The delay probably hurt a little, but I think the main issue was the decision not to provide differing fuselage sizes, which made the Douglas craft less attractive. It seems to me to be the better plane in just about every measure of performance.
 
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