DC 3 Douglas, Dakota by Gert Hilbink

The DC-3 is an aircraft of the US aircraft manufacturer Douglas Aircraft Company. From 1935, 10,655 were built, plus 4,937 under licence. The aircraft is even still used for commercial flights in the 21st century. In addition, several flying clubs own an airworthy DC-3. The RAF called the aircraft Dakota; the Americans spoke of Gooney Bird. Various types were in use in the US armed forces: C-47 (Skytrain), C-49, C-50, C-52, C-53 (Skytrooper), C-68, C-84, C-117; in the US Navy, the aircraft was designated R4D.
The DC-3 was developed from the DC-2. There was a demand in the United States for an aircraft in which passengers could sleep, making transcontinental flights possible. Initially, therefore, the aircraft was equipped with sleeper berths. It was then called DST (Douglas Sleeper Transport). Later versions, however, had normal seats; initially 28, and later 35. They were given the type designation DC-3.
The DC-3 made its first flight on 17 December 1935. The type was used during and after World War II as a passenger aircraft, transport aircraft, towing aircraft (including for the Horsa gliders used at the Battle of Arnhem) and for troop and wounded transport. After World War II, some of the military DC-3's were sold to civilian airlines. Thus, the aircraft played an important role in the development of civil aviation. However, part of the military fleet remained active. Military DC-3's were used during the airlift to Berlin in 1948 and 1949. DC-3's were also still used during the Vietnam War. Besides their usual duties, some DC-3's were given a role as gunships. The armament was increased for this purpose. These aircraft were given the type designation AC-47.