They came available from the USAAF surplus dumps by the thousands. In all those conflict areas, the Skytrain/ Skytrooper/ C-47/ C-117/R4D was there for help, hauling food, fuel, beer, ammo, Jeeps, Howitzers, Generals, Soldiers, Paratroopers, the wounded and the fugitives.Īfter those wars, the aircraft soldiered on, both in the Military Role and with Civilian Operators. After 1945, the Berlin Airlift (1948), the Korean Conflict (1950-53), and the Vietnam War (1964-1975) completed the list of its glorious Palmares. Both during the Normandy Invasion, and in the Far East, flying over the Hump, its reputation as a most reliable and versatile platform for air transport was settled forever in the War History books. Its heroic role as a Utility/ Cargo/ Paratrooper/ Medevac transport in all theaters of War will never fade from public memory. But the real “Days of Eternal Glory” came during the War that took place for the USA from December 1941 until August 1945. The Douglas DC-3 entered the Hall of Fame already long before WWII, responsible in 1940 for over 70 % of all North American Passenger Air Transport. In the ten years of its production, this DC-3 in various models would forever change the World, and the 10.600 + aircraft built in all its versions in the USA were to become the most enduring and operationally longest-lasting aircraft ever constructed in the 100+ years of Aviation History. That legendary aircraft C-47 (aka The Gooney Bird, Skytrain, while RAF, RCAF, and RAAF named her the Dakota) made its maiden flight on December 17th, 1935, now almost 85 years ago. This photo above depicts unmistakably the silhouette of the Douglas DC-3/ C-47/ Dakota, a vintage aircraft of which the last one was built in 1946. The AC-47 T Fantasma, using the very same airframe as the iconic Vietnam War Aerial Manhunters based on the Douglas C-47, often dubbed “Spooky” or “Puff the Magic Dragon”. See photos and read the tale of World’s only Veteran Aircraft of 3 wars, built more than 75 years ago, and still in active military service.
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