What is the difference between a C-47 and a C 53?

The C-47 was designed as a cargo plane with a large cargo door, reinforced floor and a hoist attachment for lifting cargo. The C-53 was a troop carrying version with bench seats on the interior on either side of the plane and a detachable rear door.

What type of plane is a Dakota?

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota (RAF, RAAF, RCAF, RNZAF, and SAAF designation) is a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front-line service with various military operators for many years.

Is the C-47 the same as a DC-3?

The C-47 differed from the civilian DC-3 in numerous modifications, including being fitted with a cargo door, hoist attachment, and strengthened floor, along with a shortened tail cone for glider-towing shackles, and an astrodome in the cabin roof. The U.S. Naval designation was R4D.

What was the C-47 used for?

C-47, also called Dakota or Skytrain, U.S. military transport aircraft that served in all theatres during World War II and continued in service long afterward. It was used to haul cargo, transport troops, drop paratroops, tow gliders, and as a flying ambulance.

How many paratroopers were on a plane in ww2?

The paratroopers were divided into sticks, a plane load of troops numbering 15-18 men. To achieve surprise, the parachute drops were routed to approach Normandy at low altitude from the west.

What is the range of a C-47?

1,600 mi
Douglas C-47 Skytrain/Range

What was the nickname of the C-47 Dakota?

About 2,000 C-47s (received under Lend-Lease) in British and Commonwealth service took the name “Dakota”, possibly inspired by the acronym “DACoTA” for Douglas Aircraft Company Transport Aircraft. The C-47 also earned the informal nickname “gooney bird” in the European theatre of operations.

Was the C-47 Skytrain used in WW2?

Douglas C-47 Skytrain. The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota (RAF and RAAF designation) is a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remains in front-line service with various military operators.

When was the first C-47 Dakota delivered to the SAAF?

The first Douglas C-47 Dakota to serve with the SAAF was delivered to 44 Squadron in Cairo on 27 April 1944 and served with the squadron until 1992 when they were replaced by converted C-47TP versions.

What was the name of the military transport aircraft?

Series of military transport aircraft. The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota (RAF designation) is a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remains in front line service with various military operators.