Douglas C-47 Skytrain – Photos & Video

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.

Source: Douglas C-47 Skytrain on Wikipedia

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain was a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in service for decades after the war. The C-47 was capable of carrying up to 28 passengers or 6,000 pounds of cargo. It could also tow gliders or drop paratroopers into enemy territory. The C-47 was known for its reliability, versatility and ruggedness. It earned the nickname “Gooney Bird” from its pilots and crew.
The C-47 was involved in many notable missions and operations during the war, such as the Berlin Airlift, the D-Day invasion, the Burma Campaign and the airlift of supplies to China over the Himalayas. The C-47 also served in the Korean War, the Vietnam War and various humanitarian and civil operations around the world. Some of the C-47s were modified for special purposes, such as gunships, electronic warfare, reconnaissance and medical evacuation. The C-47 was retired from the US Air Force in 1975, but some of them are still flying today as civilian aircraft or museum exhibits.