First flown on 17 December 1933 at Clover Field in Santa Monica, California, the Douglas DC-3 is arguably one of the most successful aircraft ever built. Designated “Dakota” or C-47 by RAF/RCAF, the aircraft was known by a wide variety of different names (Skytrain, Skytrooper, DAK, Goonie Bird) and different designations (DC3, C-47, C-53, R4D) in various services. Highly adaptable, this transport aircraft could be fitted with skis or Jet Assisted Take Off (JATO) bottles. In the RCAF, it served in a wide variety of roles including various training purposes such as navigation, radio and radar training, along with target towing, transport, search and rescue duties. This aircraft type served at Comox both during wartime with No 32 and 6 OTUs and in the post-war with 442 Squadron.

DETAILS

Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft Corporation

Designation: CC-129 / CT-129 Model No: DC-3 / C-47

Marks: MkIII, Mk IIICSC,F,FP,P,R,S&R,U, and Mk IVM,MF,MFP,P,ST,T

Role: Transport, Training, Target Towing, SAR

TOS: 1943

SOS: 1989

No: 169

Comox Squadron/Unit Use: 6 OTU, 442 Sqn Service:RCAF & CF

SPECIFICATIONS

Crew/Passengers: Two pilots + up to 3 crew

Powerplant: Two 1200 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 radials

Performance:

• Max Speed: 199 kts (369 km/h)
• Cruising Speed: 145 kts (269 km/h)
• Service Ceiling: 24,100 ft (7,345 m)
• Range: 1,300 nm (2,414 km)

Weights:

• Max T/O: 26,000 lbs (11,793 kg)
• Dimensions:Span: 95 ft 0 in (28.95 m)
• Length: 64 ft 51/2 in (19.64 m)

Armament: none

Original Cost: $165,000

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