Douglas C-47B 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 during December 1941, 10,714 C-47s were produced in total. As a testament to this types 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 1900 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 as a flying memorial.

This year at RIAT we are marking the 80th anniversary of RAF Fairford and the D-Day landings. We are therefore very pleased to announce that Dakota KP220/G-ANAF will be joining our static display to represent the RAF contribution to D-Day. KP220 began life with the USAAF in 1945 before being transferred to the RAF where it flew with 435 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force. The aircraft was eventually retired in 1950 and was operated as a civilian freighter before being converted for radar trials. Following refurbishment, KP220 now wears RAF markings from the Second World War and is owned by Aero Legends.

Photo Credit: Tom Jones