Douglas NC-117D Skytrain

Douglas · United States · first flew 1935 · transport aircraft

The NC-117D is a US military designation applied to C-117D Super Skytrain aircraft permanently modified for special test or research purposes, with the N-prefix indicating they could not be returned to standard configuration.

Recognition (WEFT)

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

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Permanent test/special configuration of the C-117D Super Skytrain
Low-wing twin-piston transport with round radial engine nacelles
N-prefix denotes permanent modification from standard military configuration

Identical externally to any C-117D or late-model DC-3 — tapered low wing, twin round radial engine nacelles, and the characteristic DC-3 fuselage step between cockpit and cabin.

Specifications

The Douglas NC-117D Skytrain has a length of 19.66 m (65 ft).
It has a wingspan of 29.11 m (96 ft).
Its maximum speed is 370 km/h (230 mph).
Typical crew: 3-4 + passengers/cargo.

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

History

The C-117D was a utility transport variant of the Douglas DC-3 family, itself one of the most important aircraft in aviation history; aircraft modified so substantially for experimental programmes received the NC prefix. These conversions supported various research and development activities across the US armed forces.

Variants

The NC-117D is a modification category rather than a distinct variant; the broader C-117 family includes the C-117A, B, C, and D, all derived from the DC-3/R4D lineage.

Where you'll see it

Individual NC-117D airframes served with US military research establishments; the type is not in current service anywhere.

Related aircraft

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