Years In Service: 1941-1970
Initial Flight: December 21, 1941
Commonly referred to as the “Gooney Bird” the C-47 was adapted from the Douglas DC-3 commercial airliner and used to carry personnel and cargo, tow gliders, and drop paratroopers. Having great longevity, it was also used in Korea and Vietnam, where it took on an additional role as an attack aircraft, where three 7.62 mm Gatling guns, known as “Puff the Magic Dragon”.
Aircraft Specifications
Height: 23′ 6″ Wingspan: 95′ Length: 64′ 6″ Crew: 3 Payload: 10,000 pounds of cargo or 28 paratroopers No. of Engines: 2 Horsepower: 1,200 hp driving three-bladed propellers Cruise speed: 212 mph Max Speed: 258 mph Ceiling: 18,200 ft.