Douglas C-47 Skytrain

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. During the war the C-47 was used for troop transport, cargo, paratrooper, for towing gliders and military cargo parachute drops. The C-47 remained in front-line service with various military operators for many years. It was produced in approximately triple the numbers as the larger, much heavier payload Curtiss C-46 Commando, which filled a similar role for the U.S. military.

C-47 Skytrain / Dakota
C-53 Skytrooper
C-47 "Whiskey 7" at Duxford D-Day Show 2014
Role Military transport aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Douglas Aircraft Company
First flight 23 December 1941
Status In service
Primary users United States Army Air Forces
Royal Air Force
United States Navy
Royal Canadian Air Force
See operators
Number built 10,174
Developed from Douglas DC-3
Variants Douglas XCG-17
Douglas AC-47 Spooky
Douglas R4D-8

Approximately 100 countries' armed forces have operated the C-47 with over 60 variants of the aircraft produced.

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