C-47B

Douglas C-47B-20-DK Dakota

National Warplane Museum

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain — known to Commonwealth forces as the Dakota — is one of the most iconic military transport aircraft of World War II. Adapted from the civilian DC-3 airliner, the C-47 played a critical role in every theater of the war, carrying troops, cargo, and performing airborne operations that shaped the course of the conflict.

Background

Introduced in the early 1940s, the C-47 was designed to meet the demands of wartime logistics. Its rugged construction, long range, and ability to operate from short, unimproved airstrips made it indispensable to Allied forces. The C-47B variant was equipped with more powerful engines and additional features for high-altitude operations, especially suited for demanding missions like flying "The Hump" over the Himalayas to supply forces in China.

Use & Purpose

The C-47 served as a cargo transport, troop carrier, medical evacuation platform, and glider tug. Most famously, it participated in airborne assaults such as D-Day, Market Garden, and the Burma campaign. The B-model's enhanced high-altitude capability allowed it to perform critical supply missions over some of the world's most challenging terrain.

Museum Example

• Douglas C-47B-20-DK Dakota (Manufacturer’s No. 15635 / Military No. 43-49819 / N# N54602)

Built in 1943, this C-47B is a veteran of “The Hump”, having flown high-risk supply missions over the Himalayas during WWII. After the war, the aircraft passed into civilian and private ownership, eventually becoming part of the collection of David Tallichet and the Military Aircraft Restoration Corporation (MARC).

In 2004, the aircraft was flown to Geneseo under a ferry permit and has remained on static display ever since. In 2025, it was donated to the National Warplane Museum by MARC, becoming a permanent part of the Museum’s collection. Plans are underway for a static restoration, which will include exterior repainting, weatherproofing, animal-proofing, and interior control surface refurbishment. Once completed, the aircraft will stand as a fully restored static display, allowing visitors to experience one of WWII’s most vital transport aircraft up close.