Douglas C-47 (Skytrain / Dakota)

History

The C-47 Skytrain was a product of the Douglas Aircraft Company and first flew as a prototype on December 23, 1941. Earlier that month, following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States formally committed to World War II (December 7, 1941). December). The C-47 family of transport aircraft was considered the best transport aircraft in the entire conflict.

Originating from the Douglas DC-3 airliner that entered service in the 1930s, the aircraft set a new level of performance for airliners of the time. When the C-47 entered service in 1942, the series became an integral part of the U.S. and Allied war effort in World War II, and served in various countries and in a wide range of combat and peace volumes throughout the war and beyond. [/p ]

This product was also produced locally under license in the USSR under the name Lisunov Li-2. Total C-47 production by the end of the year was over 10,000 units.

The conversion of the original DC-3 from an airliner to a military transport aircraft required some changes to its basic design - the cabin was redesigned to carry 27 combat-ready personnel in more austere conditions. The passenger seat was removed to make room for the bench, and the passenger now faces the centerline and sits in the bucket seat.

Pratt & Whitney radial engines were then added to the DC-3 in place of the Wright "Cyclone".

Initial production revealed the original "C-47" and was named "Skytrain". As soon as 93 prototypes of the base model were built, the line evolved into the "C-47A" - changes including improved power capacity for various onboard systems.

One of the most authoritative production brands in the series is the "C-47B" with improved engine performance, this stock is intended to serve Southeast Asia as it provides better altitude capability required for US to China flights, Becoming a trainer designated "TC-47B" for this product also evolved.

Externally, the C-47 has a basic form and function, with a smooth rolling profile, low monoplane wing, tubular fuselage, and a single vertical stabilizer. Two radial engines are mounted on the leading edge of each wing, each producing 1,200 horsepower.

The pilot and co-pilot sit at the very front of the fuselage, with an observation pod behind the cockpit. In the front and rear of the hull there are entry/exit doors for loading troops and exiting paratroopers.

In service, the design was known for its ability to withstand extreme damage while maintaining flight characteristics.

The C-47 is in the US Navy (as "R4D"), the RAF (via the "Dakota" stamp), the Soviet Air Force (produced by Lisunov as "Li-2"), and in Japan as "L2D". The fleet was in use until the 1960s, when their airframes met or exceeded their recommended service life.

In addition to the Skytrain, the C-47 is known by various names - "Goney Bird" and "Old Bucket" are just two of its more prominent nicknames.

Whether in civilian or military service, Douglas products have achieved a reputation that few aircraft have ever achieved. Its robust and reliable design earned it a place in military history as the platform withstood many of the challenges faced by war planners and became one of the most influential designs of its time.

In addition to wartime contributions (including time in the hands of WASP pilots), the C-47 played a key role in the Berlin Airlift (1948-1949) and was used to advertise ad hoc attack helicopters during the Vietnam War (1955) - 1975). For the latter, a stockpile of 53 aircraft was retrofitted with large-caliber artillery, fired from port, and designated AC-47 "Ghosts".

The XCG-17 is a non-shooting development of the C-47, designed as an attack glider. It was only prototyped and flew for the first time in June 1944.

Some DC-3s are still flying today.

Specification

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