Douglas C-47A Dakota
 |
| Type |
Land Based Navigational Trainer and Transport Aircraft |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer |
Douglas Aircraft Corporation, Long Beach, USA |
| Number Ordered |
4 |
| First Delivered |
1 December 1949 |
| Last Delivered |
23 February 1968 |
| Length |
64 feet 5 inches |
| Height |
16 feet 11 inches |
| Weights | 18,190 |
| Dimensions | Wing span: 95 feet 0 inches |
| Speed | 229 mph |
| Range |
1500 miles |
| Crew |
3 |
| Engines | Two 1200 bhp Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp R-1830-92 fourteen cylinder radial |
| Performance |
|
| Operated by |
RAAF as WW2 transport, RAN as navigational trainer at Naval Air Station Nowra |
Four ex-RAAF DC-3 Dakota (C-47A) were operated by the RAN over the period 1949 to 1977. Two aircraft were obtained in 1949-50 and were converted into ‘flying classrooms’ for Firefly AS6 observers. Four stations for navigation and four stations for anti-submarine detection were installed in the aircraft. Other modifications included installing sonar buoy racks under the wings and a half door allowing for the use of a hand held camera.
After the Sea Venom and Gannet aircraft were introduced into service the DC-3s were equipped with a Gannet retractable radar scanner unit for observer training. A Sea Venom radar scanner was installed in one of the Dakotas as well.
Another two Dakotas were acquired in 1968 for use as navigational training aircraft and operated by VC 851 Squadron. Two of the Dakotas were sold in 1974-77 while the others were retained by the RAN as Museum exhibits.
Left: A DC-3 modified for navigational training. Right: Three RAN DC-3 fly in formation over Nowra in the late 1960s.
