The Douglas C-47 Skytrain, affectionately nicknamed the "Gooney Bird," is a military transport aircraft widely used by the United States during World War II, derived from the highly successful civilian airliner, the Douglas DC-3. The C-47 holds a prominent place in history, regarded as one of the most important, durable, and longest-serving transport aircraft of WWII, earning global acclaim for its versatility and reliability.
The C-47 made its maiden flight in December 1941 and served the Allied forces in all theaters during the war. It played a crucial role in numerous major Allied operations, including dropping paratroopers, towing gliders, transporting troops and cargo, and serving as an air ambulance for casualty evacuation. During the famous D-Day invasion of Normandy, over 1,000 C-47s transported paratroopers behind enemy lines. In the Asian theater, the C-47 undertook the arduous "Hump" missions, airlifting strategic supplies from India into China.
The main differences between the C-47 and the civilian DC-3 included a strengthened floor, a large cargo door, a hoist attachment, and a shortened tail cone for glider-towing shackles. It was typically powered by two 1,200-horsepower Pratt & Whitney radial engines, with a cruising speed of about 250 kilometers per hour (155 mph) and a range of up to 2,600 kilometers (1,600 miles). Its spacious cabin could generally accommodate 28 fully armed troops or up to 18 stretchers.
After World War II, the C-47 continued to be a mainstay of military airlift, featuring prominently in the 1948 Berlin Airlift and the Korean War. In the Vietnam War, the C-47 was modified into variants like the AC-47 gunship and the EC-47 reconnaissance aircraft. The rugged construction and ease of maintenance of the C-47 allowed it to remain in service for decades. Although the U.S. Air Force retired it in 1975, hundreds of DC-3/C-47 series aircraft are still operating today in some countries and regions in both civilian and military capacities. Some have even been upgraded with modern turboprop engines, such as the Basler BT-67, continuing to soar into the 21st-century skies, a true testament to the excellence and enduring nature of its design.