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Douglas C-47 Skytrain

(Redirected fromC-47 Skytrain)
"C-47" redirects here. For other uses, seeC-47 (disambiguation).
"R4D" redirects here. For the rocket engine, seeR-4D.

TheDouglas C-47 SkytrainorDakota(RAFdesignation) is amilitary transport aircraftdeveloped from the civilianDouglas DC-3airliner. It was used extensively by theAlliesduringWorld War II.During the war the C-47 was used fortroop transport,cargo,paratrooper,for towingglidersand military cargo parachute drops. The C-47 remained in front-line service with various military operators for many years.[2]It was produced in approximately triple the numbers as the larger, much heavier payloadCurtiss C-46 Commando,which filled a similar role for the U.S. military.

C-47 Skytrain / Dakota
C-53 Skytrooper
C-4743-30652 "Whiskey 7"at Duxford D-Day Show 2014
General information
TypeMilitary transport aircraft
National originUnited States
ManufacturerDouglas Aircraft Company
StatusIn service
Primary usersUnited States Army Air Forces
Number built10,174
History
First flight23 December 1941(1941-12-23)[1]
Developed fromDouglas DC-3
VariantsDouglas XCG-17
Douglas AC-47 Spooky
Douglas R4D-8

Approximately 100 countries' armed forces have operated the C-47 with over 60 variants of the aircraft produced. As with the civilian DC-3, the C-47 remains in service in the present day, over 80 years after the type's introduction.

Design and development

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The C-47 differed from the civilian DC-3 by way of numerous modifications, including being fitted with a cargo door, hoist attachment and strengthened floor - along with a shortened tail cone forglider-towingshackles, and anastrodomein the cabin roof.[3][4]

During World War II, the armed forces of many countries used the C-47 and modified DC-3s for the transport of troops, cargo, and wounded. The U.S. naval designation was R4D. More than 10,000 aircraft were produced inLong BeachandSanta Monica, California,andOklahoma City, Oklahoma.Between March 1943 and August 1945, the Oklahoma City plant produced 5,354 C-47s.[2][5]

The specialized C-53Skytroopertroop transport started production in October 1941 at Douglas Aircraft's Santa Monica plant. It lacked the cargo door, hoist attachment, and reinforced floor of the C-47. Only 380 aircraft were produced in all because the C-47 was found to be more versatile.

Super DC-3 (R4D-8)

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Main article:Douglas R4D-8
U.S. Navy C-117Ds atRAF Mildenhallin 1967

Large numbers of DC-3s and surplus C-47s were in commercial use in the United States in the 1940s. In response to proposed changes to theCivil Air Regulationsairworthiness requirements that would limit the continuing use of these aircraft, Douglas offered a late-1940s DC-3 conversion to improve takeoff and single-engine performance. This new model, the DC-3S or "Super DC-3", was 39 in (0.99 m) longer. It allowed 30 passengers to be carried, with increased speed to compete with newer airliners. The rearward shift in the center of gravity led to larger tail surfaces and new outer, swept-back wings. More powerful engines were installed along with shorter, jet ejection-type exhaust stacks. These were either 1,475 hp (1,100 kW)Wright R-1820Cyclones or 1,450 hp (1,081 kW)Pratt & Whitney R-2000 Twin Waspsin larger engine nacelles. Minor changes included wheel-well doors, a partially retractable tailwheel, flush rivets, and low-drag antenna. These all contributed to an increased top speed of 250 mph (400 km/h; 220 kn). With over 75% of the original DC-3/C-47 configuration changed, the modified design was virtually a new aircraft.[6]The first DC-3S made its maiden flight on 23 June 1949.[7]

The changes fully met the new FAR 4B airworthiness requirements, with significantly improved performance. However, little interest was expressed by commercial operators in the DC-3S. It was too expensive for the smaller operators that were its main target; only three were sold toCapital Airlines.The U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps had 100 of their R4D aircraft modified to Super DC-3 standards as the R4D-8, later redesignated the C-117D.[8]

Operational history

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World War II

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U.S. Army PathfindersandUSAAFflight crew prior toD-Day,June 1944, in front of a C-47 Skytrain atRAF North Witham

The C-47 was vital to the success of many Allied campaigns, in particular, those atGuadalcanaland in the jungles ofNew GuineaandBurma,where the C-47 and its naval version, the R4D, made it possible for Allied troops to counter the mobility of the light-traveling Japanese Army. C-47s were used to airlift supplies to the encircled American forces during theBattle of Bastognein Belgium. Possibly its most influential role in military aviation, however, was flying "The Hump"from India into China. The expertise gained flying" The Hump "was later used in theBerlin Airlift,in which the C-47 played a major role until the aircraft were replaced byDouglas C-54 Skymasters.[citation needed]

In Europe, the C-47 and a specializedparatroopvariant, the C-53 Skytrooper, were used in vast numbers in the later stages of the war, particularly to towglidersand drop paratroops. During theinvasion of Sicilyin July 1943, C-47s dropped 4,381 Allied paratroops. More than 50,000 paratroops were dropped by C-47s during the first few days of theD-Daycampaign also known as theinvasion of Normandy,France, in June 1944.[9]In thePacific War,with careful use of the island landing strips of the Pacific Ocean, C-47s were used for ferrying soldiers serving in the Pacific theater back to the United States.

About 2,000 C-47s (received underLend-Lease) in British and Commonwealth servicetook the name "Dakota",possibly inspired by the acronym "DACoTA" for Douglas Aircraft Company Transport Aircraft.[10]

The C-47 also earned the informal nickname "gooney bird"in the European theatre of operations.[11]Other sources[12]attribute this name to the first aircraft, a USMC R2D—the military version of the DC-2—being the first aircraft to land on Midway Island, previously home to the long-winged albatross known as the gooney bird which was native to Midway.

Postwar era

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C-47s unloading atTempelhof Airportduring theBerlin Airlift

TheUnited States Air Force'sStrategic Air Commandhad Skytrains in service from 1946 to 1967. The US Air Force's6th Special Operations Squadronwas flying the C-47 until 2008.

TC-47D atMcChord AFB

With all of their aircraft and pilots having been part of the Indian Air Force prior to independence, both theIndian Air ForceandPakistan Air Forceused C-47s to transport supplies to their soldiers fighting in theIndo-Pakistan War of 1947.

After World War II, thousands of surplus C-47s were converted to civilian airline use, some remaining in operationin 2012,as well as being used as private aircraft.

Vietnam War

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Several C-47 variants were used in theVietnam Warby the United States Air Force, including three advanced electronic-warfare variations, which sometimes were called "electric gooneys" designated EC-47N, EC-47P, or EC-47Q depending on the engine used. In addition, HC-47s were used by the 9th Special Operations Squadron to conduct psychological warfare operations over South Vietnam and Laos. Miami Air International, Miami International Airport was a USAF military depot used to convert the commercial DC-3s/C-47s into military use. They came in as commercial aircraft purchased from third-world airlines and were completely stripped, rebuilt, and reconditioned. Long-range fuel tanks were installed, along with upgraded avionics and gun mounts. They left as first-rate military aircraft headed for combat in Vietnam in a variety of missions.[Note 1]EC-47s were also operated by the Vietnamese, Laotian, and Cambodian Air Forces.[14]A gunship variation, using three 7.62 mm miniguns, designatedAC-47 "Spooky",often nicknamed "Puff the magic dragon",also was deployed.[11]

Variants

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Main article:List of Douglas DC-3 family variants
C-47 in RCAF livery, still flying today. Operated by the RAF in England during WWII. FZ692 participated in two major airborne operations, Normandy and the Rhine Crossing.
Paratroop C-47, 12th Air Force Troop Carrier Wing, invasion of southern France, 15 August 1944
Interior view of Douglas C-47,HendonAerodrome,England
Aircraft of the6th Special Operations Squadronincluding a turboprop C-47 (Basler BT-67) in use by the U.S. Air Force,c. 2005
Douglas C-47 lineup at Willow Run, Michigan Airshow, August 2017
C-47B Skytrain43-49942
A former USAAF C-47A Skytrain which flew from a base in Devon, England, during theD-DayNormandy invasion and shows "invasion stripes"on her wings and fuselage
Douglas C-53 Skytrooper, c/n 4935, operated by askydivingservice atEloy, Arizona
Douglas C-47A SkytrainOld Number 30
C-47 Skytrain cockpit
Douglas C-47A Skytrain of the Venezuelan Air Force
C-47
Initial military version of the DC-3 had four crew (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, and radio operator) and seats for 27 troops alongside the fuselage interior. "Aerial Ambulances" fitted for casualty evacuation could carry 18 stretcher cases and a medical crew of three; 965 built (including 12 for the United States Navy as R4D-1).
C-47A
C-47 with a 24-volt electrical system, 5,254 built including USN aircraft designated R4D-5
RC-47A
C-47A equipped for photographic reconnaissance and ELINT missions
SC-47A
C-47A equipped for Search Air Rescue; redesignatedHC-47Ain 1962
VC-47A
C-47A equipped for VIP transport role
C-47B
Powered by R-1830-90 engines with two-speed superchargers (better altitude performance) to cover theChina-Burma-Indiaroutes, 3,364 built
VC-47B
C-47B equipped for VIP transport role
XC-47C
C-47 tested with Edo Model 78 floats for possible use as a seaplane[15][16]
C-47D
C-47B with second speed (high blower) of engine supercharger disabled or removed after the war
AC-47DSpooky
Gunship aircraft with three side-firing.30 in (7.62 mm)Minigunmachine guns
EC-47D
C-47D with equipment for the Electronics Calibration, of which 26 were so converted by Hayes in 1953; prior to 1962 was designatedAC-47D
NC-47D
C-47D modified for test roles
RC-47D
C-47D equipped for photographic reconnaissance and ELINT missions
SC-47D
C-47D equipped for Search Air Rescue; redesignatedHC-47Din 1962
VC-47D
C-47D equipped for VIP transport role
C-47E
Modified cargo variant with space for 27–28 passengers or 18–24 litters
C-47F
YC-129 redesignated, Super DC-3 prototype for evaluation by USAF later passed to USN asXR4D-8
C-47L/M
C-47H/Js equipped for the support of American Legation United States Naval Attache (ALUSNA) and Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) missions
EC-47N/P/Q
C-47A and D aircraft modified for ELINT/ARDF mission, N and P differ in radio bands covered, while Q replaces analog equipment found on the N and P with a digital suite, redesigned antenna equipment and uprated engines
C-47R
One C-47M modified for high altitude work, specifically for missions in Ecuador
C-53 Skytrooper
Troop transport version of the C-47 that lacked the reinforced cargo floor, large cargo door, and hoist attachment of the C-47Skytrain.It was dedicated for the troop transport role and could carry 28 passengers in fixed metal seats arranged in rows in the former cargo space; 221 built.
XC-53A Skytrooper
One testbed aircraft modified in March 1942 with full-span slotted flaps and hot-air leading edge de-icing. Converted to C-53 standard in 1949 and sold as surplus.
C-53B Skytrooper
Winterized and long-range Arctic version of the C-53 with extra fuel tanks in the fuselage and separate navigator's astrodome station for celestial navigation; eight built.
C-53C Skytrooper
C-53 with larger port-side access door; 17 built.
C-53D Skytrooper
C-53C with 24V DC electrical system and its 28 seats attached to the sides of the fuselage; 159 built.
C-117A Skytrooper
C-47B with 24-seat airline-type interior for staff transport use, 16 built.
VC-117A
Three redesignated C-117s used in the VIP role
SC-117A
One C-117C converted for air-sea rescue
C-117B/VC-117B
High-altitude two-speed superchargers replaced by one-speed superchargers, one built and conversions from C-117As all laterVC-117B
C-117D
USN/USMC R4D-8 redesignated C-117D in 1962.
LC-117D
USN/USMC R4D-8L redesignated LC-117D in 1962.
TC-117D
USN/USMC R4D-8T redesignated TC-117D in 1962.
VC-117D
USN R4D-8Z redesignated VC-117D in 1962.
YC-129
Super DC-3 prototype for evaluation by USAF redesignated C-47F and later passed to USN asXR4D-8.Wright R-1820engines uprated to 1425 hp.
CC-129
Canadian Forces designation for the C-47 (post-1970)
XCG-17
One C-47 tested as a 40-seat troop glider with engines removed and faired over
R4D-1 Skytrain
USN/USMC version of the C-47
R4D-3
Twenty C-53Cs transferred to USN
R4D-5
C-47A variant 24-volt electrical system replacing the 12-volt of the C-47; redesignatedC-47Hin 1962, 238 transferred from USAF
R4D-5L
R4D-5 for use in Antarctica. RedesignatedLC-47Hin 1962. Photos of this type show the removal of underslung engine oil coolers typical of the R-1830 engine installation; apparently not needed in the cold polar regions.
R4D-5Q
R4D-5 for use as special ECM trainer. RedesignatedEC-47Hin 1962
R4D-5R
R4D-5 for use as a personnel transport for 21 passengers and as a trainer aircraft; redesignatedTC-47Hin 1962
R4D-5S
R4D-5 for use as a special ASW trainer; redesignatedSC-47Hin 1962
R4D-5Z
R4D-5 for use as a VIP transport; redesignatedVC-47Hin 1962
JMSDF R4D-6Q
United States Navy R4D-8
R4D-6
157 C-47Bs transferred to USN; redesignatedC-47Jin 1962
R4D-6L, Q, R, S, and Z
Variants as the R4D-5 series; redesignatedLC-47J,EC-47J,TC-47J,SC-47J,andVC-47Jrespectively in 1962
R4D-7
44 TC-47Bs transferred from USAF for use as a navigational trainer; redesignatedTC-47Kin 1962
R4D-8
R4D-5 and R4D-6 remanufactured aircraft with stretched fuselage,Wright R-1820engines, fitted with modified wings and redesigned tail surfaces; redesignated C-117D in 1962
R4D-8L
R4D-8 converted for Antarctic use, redesignatedLC-117Din 1962
R4D-8T
R4D-8 converted as crew trainers, redesignatedTC-117Din 1962
R4D-8Z
R4D-8 converted as a staff transport, redesignatedVC-117Din 1962
C-47TP "Turbo Dak"
Refit with two Pratt & Whitney CanadaPT6A-67Rturbopropsand fuselage stretch for the South African Air Force
Basler BT-67
C-47 conversion with a stretched fuselage, strengthened structure, modern avionics, and powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67R turboprops

RAF designations

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A Dakota IV in RAF Transport Command colors, owned by theClassic Air Force,operating out ofCoventry Airport
Dakota I
RAF designation for the C-47 and R4D-1.
Dakota II
RAF designation for nine C-53 Skytroopers received under the lend lease scheme. Unlike the majority of RAF Dakotas, these aircraft were therefore dedicated troop transports, lacking the wide cargo doors and reinforced floor of the C-47.
Dakota III
RAF designation for the C-47A.
Dakota IV
RAF designation for the C-47B.
Airspeed AS.61
Projected conversion of Dakota I aircraft byAirspeed.None built.
Airspeed AS.62
Projected conversion of Dakota II aircraft by Airspeed. None built.
Airspeed AS.63
Projected conversion of Dakota III aircraft by Airspeed. None built.
BEA Pionair/Dart-Dakota
Conversion of Dakota toRolls-Royce Dartpower and used byBEAto prove turboprop engines prior to entry into service ofVickers Viscount.[17]

Aftermarket conversions

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Main article:List of Douglas DC-3 family variants § Conversions

Operators

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South African Air Force C-47TP "Turbo Dak"
A Royal Thai Air Force Basler BT-67 (C-47 conversion with Pratt & Whitney turboprops and stretched fuselage)
The IAF's heritage aircraft, Douglas C-47 Skytrain (Dakota), during the Republic Day Flypast 2024.


See also:List of Douglas C-47 Skytrain operators

Accidents and incidents

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Further information:List of accidents and incidents involving the DC-3

Surviving aircraft

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Main article:List of surviving Douglas C-47 Skytrains

Large numbers of C-47s, C-117s and other variants survive, on display in museums or as monuments; operated aswarbirds;or remaining in service.

As part of the 75th-anniversary commemoration in June 2019, 14 American C-47s and another group of 'Daks' from Europe retraced the route across the English Channel toNormandytaken by roughly 850 of these aircraft onD-Day.[20][21]Among them wereThat's All, Brother,Betsy's Biscuit Bomber,Miss Montana,Spirit of Benovia,D-Day Doll,Boogie Baby,N47EMiss Virginia,andWhiskey 7.[22]

Specifications (C-47B-DK)

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Douglas C-47 Skytrain 3-view drawing

Data fromMcDonnell Douglas aircraft since 1920: Volume I[23]

General characteristics

  • Crew:4 (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, radio operator)
  • Capacity:28 troops or 6,000 lb (2.72 t) of cargo
  • Length:63 ft 9 in (19.43 m)
  • Wingspan:95 ft 6 in (29.11 m)
  • Height:17 ft 0 in (5.18 m)
  • Wing area:987 sq ft (91.7 m2)
  • Airfoil:root:NACA 2215;tip:NACA 2206[24]
  • Empty weight:18,135 lb (8,226 kg)
  • Gross weight:26,000 lb (11,793 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight:31,000 lb (14,061 kg)
  • Powerplant:2 ×Pratt & Whitney R-1830-90C Twin Wasp14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engines, 1,200 hp (890 kW) each
  • Propellers:3-bladed constant-speed propellers

Performance

  • Maximum speed:224 mph (360 km/h, 195 kn) at 10,000 ft (3,000 m)
  • Range:1,600 mi (2,600 km, 1,400 nmi)
  • Ferry range:3,600 mi (5,800 km, 3,100 nmi)
  • Service ceiling:26,400 ft (8,000 m)
  • Time to altitude:10,000 ft (3,000 m) in 9 minutes 30 seconds
  • Wing loading:26.3 lb/sq ft (128 kg/m2)
  • Power/mass:0.0926 hp/lb (0.1522 kW/kg)

See also

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Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

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Notes

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  1. ^Air International out of Miami International Airport was a military depot used by the air force to convert the DC-3s into military use.[13]

Citations

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  1. ^C-47 Skytrain Military Transport Historical SnapshotArchived2020-10-28 at theWayback Machine.Boeing.Retrieved: 29 June 2017.
  2. ^abParker 2013, pp. 13, 35, 37, 39, 45–47.
  3. ^Wilson, Stewart.Aircraft of WWII.Fyshwick, ACT, Australia: Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd., 1998.ISBN1-875671-35-8.
  4. ^Parker 2013, pp. 37, 39, 45-47.
  5. ^Herman 2012, pp. 202-203, 227.
  6. ^"Super DC-3"Archived2017-07-21 at theWayback Machine.dc3history.org. Retrieved 23 June 2010.
  7. ^Francillon 1979, pp. 464–465.
  8. ^Francillon 1979, pp. 466–467.
  9. ^Cacutt, Len. "The World's Greatest Aircraft," Exeter Books, New York, NY, 1988.ISBN0-7917-0011-9.
  10. ^"History: Douglas C-47 Skytrain Military Transport"Archived2020-10-28 at theWayback Machine.Boeing. Retrieved: 14 July 2015.
  11. ^abO'Rourke, G.G, CAPT USN. "Of Hosenoses, Stoofs, and Lefthanded Spads".United States Naval Institute Proceedings,July 1968.
  12. ^C-47/R4D Skytrain units of the Pacific and CBI,David Isby, Osprey Combat Aircraft #66, Osprey Publishing Limited, 2007
  13. ^"Chronological History of the EC-47's Location by Tail Number."Archived2020-10-08 at theWayback Machineec47.Retrieved: 7 April 2009.
  14. ^Rickard, J."Douglas EC-47N"Archived2020-04-23 at theWayback Machine.historyofwar.org, 12 November 2008. Retrieved: 7 April 2009.
  15. ^"Aviation in Long Pants" (photo of XC-47C).Archived2023-09-09 at theWayback MachinePopular Mechanics,July 1944.
  16. ^"DC-3s On Floats."Archived2020-10-27 at theWayback MachineYouTube,8 November 2008. Note: first part has rare World War II film footage and narration by project manager for the XC-47C.
  17. ^"1952 | 3204 | Flight Archive".Flightglobal. 15 August 1951.Archivedfrom the original on 22 December 2017.Retrieved27 June2018.
  18. ^"Douglas DC-3 (CC-129) Dakota."Archived2011-06-11 at theWayback MachineDND - Canada's Air Force.Retrieved: 14 October 2009.
  19. ^ab"Trade Registers".Armstrade.sipri.org.Archivedfrom the original on 29 December 2017.Retrieved20 June2013.
  20. ^"Miss Montana – Miss Montana to Normandy".Archivedfrom the original on 12 December 2020.Retrieved9 June2019.
  21. ^Golds, Alan (2 June 2019)."A World War II-era veteran returns to the air".cbsnews.Archivedfrom the original on 9 June 2019.Retrieved9 June2019.
  22. ^"The Mighty Fifteen—The American Contingent Flying to Normandy".The D-Day Squadron.DC-3 Society.Archivedfrom the original on 30 November 2019.Retrieved7 January2021.See archive link for aircraft photos.
  23. ^Francillon, René J. (1988).McDonnell Douglas aircraft since 1920: Volume I.London: Naval Institute Press. pp. 217–251.ISBN0870214284.
  24. ^Lednicer, David."The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage".m-selig.ae.illinois.edu.Archivedfrom the original on 26 March 2019.Retrieved16 April2019.

Bibliography

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  • Anderson, C. E. "Bud" (December 1981 – March 1982). "Caught by the Wing-tip".Air Enthusiast.No. 17. pp. 74–80.ISSN0143-5450.
  • Chorlton, Martyn.Paths in the Wood.Cowbit, UK: Old Forge Publishing Ltd, 2003.ISBN0-9544507-0-1.
  • De Vink, Hervé (August 1976). "Adieu au" Dakota "de la Force aérienne belge" [Farewell to the Dakotas of the Belgian Air Force].Le Fana de l'Aviation(in French) (81): 17–19.ISSN0757-4169.
  • Donald, David.The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft.New York: Barnes & Noble, 1997.ISBN0-7607-0592-5.
  • Flintham, Victor.Air Wars and Aircraft: A Detailed Record of Air Combat, 1945 to the Present.New York: Facts on File, 1990.ISBN0-8160-2356-5.
  • Francillon, René J.McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Since 1920.London: Putnam & Company, 1979.ISBN0-370-00050-1.
  • Gradidge, Jennifer M.The Douglas DC-1, DC-2, DC-3: The First Seventy Years.Two volumes. Tonbridge, UK: Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd., 2006.ISBN0-85130-332-3.
  • Herman, Arthur.Freedom's Forge: How American Business Produced Victory in World War II.New York: Random House, 2012.ISBN978-1-4000-6964-4.
  • Kaplan, Philip.Legend: A Celebration of the Douglas DC-3/C-47/Dakota.Peter Livanos & Philip Kaplan, 2009.ISBN978-0-9557061-1-0.
  • Parker, Dana T.Building Victory: Aircraft Manufacturing in the Los Angeles Area in World War II.Cypress, California: Dana Parker Enterprises, 2013.ISBN978-0-9897906-0-4.
  • Pearcy, Arthur Jr. "Douglas R4D variants (US Navy's DC-3/C-47)".Aircraft in Profile, Volume 14.Windsor, Berkshire, UK: Profile Publications, 1974, pp. 49–73.ISBN0-85383-023-1.
  • "Pentagon Over the Islands: The Thirty-Year History of Indonesian Military Aviation".Air Enthusiast Quarterly(2): 154–162. n.d.ISSN0143-5450.
  • Serrano, José Luis González (March–April 1999). "Fifty Years of DC Service: Douglas Transports Used by the Spanish Air Force".Air Enthusiast(80): 61–71.ISSN0143-5450.
  • Widfeldt, Bo (April–July 1980). ""Operation Ball": USAAF Operations in Sweden 1944–45 ".Air Enthusiast.No. 12. pp. 51–53.ISSN0143-5450.
  • Yenne, Bill.McDonnell Douglas: A Tale of Two Giants.Greenwich, Connecticut: Bison Books, 1985.ISBN0-517-44287-6.
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