The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota (RAF designation) is a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II. During the war the C-47 was used for troop transport, cargo, paratrooper, for towing gliders and military cargo parachute drops.

The Douglas C47 Dakota is one of the most successful military transport aircraft designs in history, and was widely used by the Allies during World War Two. The Flight’s Dakota ZA947, named ‘Kwicherbichen’ by her crews, conducted paradropping operations on the eve of D-Day, plus missions to evacuate casualties and re-supply forces.

The Douglas C47, known as the Dakota in the Royal Air Force and Commonwealth services, became the world’s best known transport aircraft. The type saw widespread use by the Allies during the Second World War and by Air Forces and airlines post-war.

Sep 15, 2017 · The Douglas C-47 Dakota is perhaps the most mundane, least exciting but quietly elegant and ruggedly stalwart aircraft of the last century.

Mar 1, 2025 · The C-47, designated R4D by the U.S. Navy and Dakota by the British Royal Air Force and other English-speaking forces, was produced in many versions. Some were VIP transports, and a few had sleeping accommodations, but the vast majority were fitted with metal bench seats for 28 fully armed troops.

The Douglas built C-47 Skytrain (aka Dakota, aka “Gooney Bird”) was a superlative military aircraft and saw widespread use by every Allied service in every theater of WWII. The C-47, a modified DC-3, became famous for carrying paratroopers and towing gliders full of soldiers and heavy equipment into battle.

Piloted by Lt. Col John Donalson, the plane led over 800 C-47s that dropped over 13,000 paratroopers into a battle that led to the end of World War II. It is based at the Commemorative Air Force, Central Texas Wing in San Marcos, TX.

This lusty breed joined the rest of the Douglas clan which became so prolific that at one point, on the average, a Douglas‑built plane took off or landed somewhere around the world every six seconds, every minute, twenty‑four hours a day, Sundays and holidays included.

The C-47 Skytrain, known as the Dakota in British and Commonwealth service, was a versatile military transport aircraft used extensively by the Allies during World War II and beyond. Produced by Douglas Aircraft Company, it was derived from the civilian DC-3 airliner and became one of the most iconic transport aircraft of the war.

Douglas C-47 Dakota and Skytrain. (USAAF Photo) Two USAAF C-47A Skytrains (based on the Douglas DC-3) from the 81st Troop Carrier Squadron, loaded with paratroopers on their way for the invasion of southern France (Operation Dragoon).