Douglas C-47A Dakota
Douglas · United States · first flew 1941 · transport aircraft
The Douglas C-47A Dakota is the military transport variant of the legendary DC-3 airliner, one of the most important aircraft in aviation history.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Rounded fuselage with cargo double doors |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Round-nosed twin radial transport
- Distinctive drooped tailplane
- Rounded fuselage with cargo double doors
Unmistakable twin-radial low-wing transport with a rounded fuselage, characteristic downswept tail, large cargo doors on the left rear fuselage, and tailwheel undercarriage.
Specifications
- The Douglas C-47A Dakota 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-47 entered US Army Air Forces service in 1941 and played a pivotal role in every theatre of World War II, serving as a troop carrier, supply aircraft, glider tug, and casualty evacuation platform. The 'Dakota' name was applied by the RAF and Commonwealth air forces.
Variants
The C-47 family encompasses the C-47A (most numerous), C-47B (high-altitude carburettors), C-53 Skytrooper, and many post-war conversions including the AC-47 'Spooky' gunship.
Where you'll see it
Operated by virtually every Allied air force in WWII and subsequently by dozens of nations worldwide; many remain airworthy today.
Related aircraft
- C-47 Skytrain
- Douglas A-20B Havoc
- Douglas Boston III
- Douglas Havoc Mk II
- Arado Ar 232
- Beechcraft GB-1
- Beechcraft JB-1 Traveller
- Beechcraft JRB-1 Voyager
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