Douglas C-117D Skytrooper

Douglas · United States · first flew 1953 · transport aircraft

The Douglas C-117D Skytrooper is a late-production military transport derived from the DC-3/C-47 family, operated by the US Navy as a VIP and staff transport with an upgraded interior and R-1820 engines.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, straight
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	19.66 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Late-model military DC-3 derivative with Wright R-1820 Cyclone engines
Essentially a VIP-configured C-47 with improved passenger interior
Used by US Navy and Marines as staff transport in 1950s–70s

Appears virtually identical to the classic DC-3/C-47 — low-wing twin-piston airliner profile with a distinctive stepped cockpit; distinguishable from C-47s mainly by interior appointments and engine cowling details.

Specifications

The Douglas C-117D Skytrooper has a length of 19.66 m (65 ft).
It has a wingspan of 28.96 m (95 ft).
Its maximum speed is 370 km/h (230 mph).
Typical crew: 3.

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

History

The C-117 designation covered a series of Super DC-3-derived aircraft for the military with improved engines and modernised interiors. The C-117D was the US Navy variant, serving into the 1970s as a reliable and economical staff transport.

Variants

The C-117 series included the C-117A, B, C, and D; all were based on the DC-3/Super DC-3 design. The US Navy also operated the R4D-8 designation for related aircraft.

Where you'll see it

The C-117D served with the US Navy and Marine Corps in the staff and VIP transport role until the 1970s, when it was replaced by turboprop and jet transports.

Related aircraft

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