Douglas C-47A Dakota

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain, known as the Dakota in the UK, needs no introduction. One of the most famous aircraft of the Second World War, the aircraft was the workhorse of the Allied nations and formed the backbone of the airborne invasion during D-Day. Developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner, the C-47 differed through the installation of a cargo door, a strengthened floor and an astrodome in the cockpit for navigation. Following its first flight in December 1941, 10,714 C-47s were produced in total. As a testament to this type’s versatility, a highly modified version with turboprop engines remains in military service with the South African Air Force to this day.

The RAF received over 1,900 Dakotas during the Second World War, the first of which arrived in 1942 and was immediately entered into service in India. RAF Dakotas operated throughout the world and served with distinction in Burma, during D-Day and the Assault on Arnhem during Operation Market Garden. The Dakota officially left RAF service during 1970 however a single ex-RCAF example was operated by the RAE at Farnborough until 1993. This aircraft is now operated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) as a flying memorial.

This year at RIAT25 we are marking the 40th anniversary of the Air Tattoo moving to RAF Fairford. We are therefore pleased to announce that the BBMF’s Dakota, freshly painted in a Far East operational paint scheme will be appearing on static display in July. This Dakota was one of the aircraft that took place in Air Tattoo 1985 at RAF Fairford 40 years ago.

Photo Credit: Fred Taylor