HISTORY AND SPECIFICATIONS OF THE

McDONNELL DOUGLAS C-47 SKYTRAIN

Airliner Turned Warhorse.

The C-47 was the military development of the epoch-making DC-3 airliner, and appeared after the US forces had gained experience with a number of transports based on the preceding DC-2. By comparison with the airliner, the C-47 was fitted with more powerful engines, structural strengthening around the large cargo door, a sturdier floor, and strengthened landing gear, while the cabin was extensively revised. Vast production was undertaken in the USA, where the 10,000th of 10,349 aircraft was delivered in May 1945, and in addition to the pre-war production in Japan the type was built under license in the USSR.

An authentic warrior.

The C-47 was used in every theatre of the Second World War in its basic C-47, naval R4D and British Dakota forms. The type was used, and remained in service, for many years after that time. The type was used for trooping and freighting, and secured immortal fame as the transport and glider-tug used by the Allied airborne forces.

Principal versions.

C-47A,R4D-1 and Dakota Mk1, C-47A,R4D-5 and Dakota Mk2 (revised electrical system), C-47B,R4D-6 and Dakota Mk IV, Lisunov (2000+Soviet-built aircraft), and Nakajima/ShowaL2D "Tabby" (485 Japanese aircraft)

Principal Users.

Australia, Canada, Great Britain, India, Japan, USA, USSR, and numerous South American and South African AF

TECHNICAL DATA.

TYPE: Douglas C-47 Skytrain three-crew utility transport.

ENGINES: Two 1,200-hp(895-kW) Pratt& Whitney R-1830-92 radial piston engines.

PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed 229mph (368km/h) at 7500ft (2290m); initial climb rate 1,130 ft/min; ceiling 23,200ft (7075m);range 1,500miles (2,401km)

WEIGHTS: empty 16,970lb (7,705kg); max take-off 26000lb (11,805kg)

DIMENSIONS: Span 95ft (28.9m); length64tf 5.5in (19.63m); height 16tf 11in (5.20m); wing area 987sqft (91.7 m2)

PAYLOAD: 28 troops, or 18litters, or 10000 lb (4,536kg) of freight.

Source Edito-Service SA, Geneva

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