C-47 Skytrain
The C-47 Skytrain was a military transport aircraft developed from the Douglas DC-3 commercial airliner. C-47s were used extensively by many countries during World War II to transport troops, cargo, tow troop-carrying gliders, drop paratroops into enemy territory and air evacuate the sick or wounded. They were one of the most successful and beloved airplanes of all time, with over 10,000 being produced in the United States during the war. Among the C-47’s contributions were transporting troops to Normandy on D-day and flying supply missions over the Himalayas from India to China.
Image Description: Douglas C-47 Skytrains loaded with paratroopers on their to the invasion of southern France, August 15, 1944.
FACTS & STATS:
| First Flown | 1935 |
| Range | 1,504 mi. (2,420 km) |
| Length | 64 ft 5 in (19.6 m) |
| Engine | Two Wright Cyclone GR-1820-G102A radial engines |
| Wingspan | 95 ft (28.9 m) |
| Max Speed | 229 mph (368 km/h) |
| Ceiling | 24,000 ft (7,315 m) |
| Weight |
Empty: 16,865 lb. (7,657 kg); |
|
Number Built
|
Over 12,925 |
| Armament |
None |
Image Description: The DC-3 was designed as a sleeper aircraft, based on the DC-2, to replace American's Curtiss Condor II biplanes.
Image Description: Today C-47 Skytrains perform at Air Shows around the world.