Douglas C-53D Skytrooper

Douglas · United States · first flew 1942 · transport aircraft

The Douglas C-53D Skytrooper is a dedicated troop-carrying variant of the DC-3 military family, distinguished from the C-47 Skytrain by its fixed passenger seating, airline-style door, and absence of a large cargo door. It was used primarily for paratrooper transport and general personnel movement.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	19.43 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Troop-transport variant of the DC-3/C-47 family
No cargo door — airline-style door only
Fitted with 28 fixed troop seats instead of cargo floor

Externally identical to other DC-3 family members except for the absence of the large C-47 cargo door — the C-53 retains only the small cabin door on the port side aft of the wing.

Specifications

The Douglas C-53D Skytrooper has a length of 19.43 m (64 ft).
It has a wingspan of 28.96 m (95 ft).
Its maximum speed is 370 km/h (230 mph).
Typical crew: 3 crew + 28 troops.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Douglas built 159 C-53D aircraft in 1942 using airframes derived from the DC-3A airliner. Unlike the C-47 optimised for cargo, the Skytrooper retained an interior configured for 28 seated troops. C-53s participated in the North African, Sicilian, and Normandy airborne operations alongside C-47s.

Variants

The C-53 family includes the baseline C-53, the C-53B long-range variant, the C-53C with updated radio equipment, and the D variant with the Hamilton Standard hydromatic propellers.

Where you'll see it

Served with the USAAF in all major theatres of World War II; also flew with the RAF as the Dakota Mk II under Lend-Lease.

Related aircraft

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