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Douglas CC-129 DAKOTA
A Douglas C-47/CC-129 Dakota with Air TransportCommand (CF Photo)
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. These aircraft were twin engine tail draggers, seating up to 20 passenger and were utilized from the outset as military transports. The US military added features like freight-accessible doors and strengthened floors to make them more suitable to the transport role. Over 10,000 members of the C-47 family were produced in the United States, 2000 were produced in the Soviet Union as the Li-2 and a further 485 were built in Japan prior to World War II. The C-47 was known by many designations CC-129, DC-3, R4D, PS-84, Dak, Dakota, Tabby, Gooney Bird, Skytrain, and Skytrooper. Highly adaptable, this transport aircraft could be fitted with skis or Jet Assisted Take Off (JATO) bottles. Over half a century later the DC-3/C-47 Dakota continues to serve around the world in both civilian and military roles, many with new engines and fuselage extensions.
The RCAF acquired its first examples of the Dakota in 1943 and they were used in various theatres including in Canada, Europe and South East Asia. After World War II many RCAF Dakotas were passed on to Trans Canada Airlines. The Dakota was the main RCAF post war transport until the arrival of more modern types like the CC-119 Boxcar, Northstar and Cosmo. In addition to the transport role the post war Dakota was operated in other roles including Search and Rescue, target tug and as airborne navigation trainer for CF-104 Starfighter pilots. Aircraft configured for the role were given unique names like Dolly's Folly and Pinocchio. A total of 169 Dakota aircraft served in the post war RCAF with 76 remaining in service in 1969. In 1989 the last nine Dakotas were replaced by the CC/CT-142 Dash 8.
| Manufacturer: | Douglas Aircraft Corporation |
| Crew/Passengers: | Two pilots + up to 3 crew or 36 passengers |
| Power Plant: | 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 |
| Cost: | $165,000 |
