Undoubtedly a classic airliner, and almost certainly as well known to travelers all over the world as to aviation enthusiasts, the DC-3/C-47 was first flown in 1935, and by the end of 1998 this airplane had been in service continuously for 63 years, with a safety record that has become almost legendary. Before US involvement in World War II the DC-3 had gained a dominant position in the nation's airlines, and the plane's rugged reliability also appealed to military planners as soon as the requirement for large numbers of transport airplanes was appreciated. Ordered in large numbers in 1940, these aircraft became designated C-47 and acquired the name Skytrain, and were the precursors of an enormous and diverse military series of the airplane. C-47s were notable glider tugs, being involved in actions in Sicily, Burma, and Normandy. Many of those supplied to the UK under Lend-Lease were involved in the D-day operations in Normandy, and these aircraft were named Dakota in British service. C-47s took part in the Berlin Airlift, were involved in the Korean War, and, under the designation AC-47D, were deployed as well-armed gunships in Vietnam, know as "Puff the Magic Dragon", armed with three of the 6 barreled 30-caliber GE electric Gatling guns. The US Navy and US Marine Corps have also used this airplane under a number of designations. The DC-3/C-47's robust construction meant that very large numbers of the airplane survived World War II, and when these planes were disposed of as war surplus items, operators all over the world acquired these airplanes as fast as they could lay hands on them. In fact, there was such an acute shortage of aircraft suitable for the initiation of civil passenger and cargo services after World War II, that many C-47s were operated without any alteration to the military interior. The majority of the airplanes, however, were modified to bring them up to an acceptable airline passenger standard. Used in the passenger carrying and utility roles, these aircraft played a significant part in establishing many new airlines and new air services. The C-47 was powered by two 1,200-hp Pratt & Whitney R-1830-S1C3G Twin Wasp radial piston engines, giving the airplane a maximum speed of 230 mph at 8,500 feet, cruising speed of 207 mph, service ceiling of 23,200 feet, and a range with maximum fuel of 2,135 miles. For more DC-3's with airline marking, see the "Commercial Airlines" department.

All airplane models are Hand Carved, Hand Painted Mahogany and come fully assembled with removable desk stand.

Dimensions: Wingspan, 21 1/2" -Length, 15" -Scale, 1/51

#1 USAAC "D-Day marking" - Air Corps Price $134.95

#2 USAF - Air Corps Price $134.95

#3 USAF - Air Corps Price $134.95

#4Navy - Air Corps Price $134.95

#5 Navy - Air Corps Price $134.95

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1-AM212DR or AC047OD or AC047ODT • 2-AM212AR • 3-AM212BR • 4-AM212FR • 5-AM212ER

This department is part of the Wonders Never Cease / Clem & Company store