Over the history of flight there have been a number of particularly successful aircraft types. Many measures of success are possible, including fitness to task, safety record, outstanding performance in any of several dimensions, longevity in service, or the sheer number produced. Many worthy aircraft designs, through one circumstance or another, have been commercial failures, or merely modest successes. A few of the most heavily produced aircraft in history are commonly dismissed as barely competent types that happened to be ordered in vast numbers simply because of circumstances, but the most-produced types listed below are regarded as examples of outstanding merit.
Douglas DC-9: over 2400 of the DC-9/MD-80/MD-90 and Boeing 717 family of aircraft made from 1965 to date. Still in production.
Fokker Friendship, 786 Friendships were delivered between 1958 and the mid 1980s, making it the most successful Western turboprop airliner to date, evolved into the Fokker 50 and Fokker 60 airliners with more efficient engines but a lower production run.
English Electric Canberra: An early twin-jet bomber, with variants still in active service for reconnaissance purposes. Sold by the UK to USAF as the B-57.
