Douglas DC-3 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids DC-3 |
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| A DC-3 operated in period Scandinavian Airlines colors by Flygande Veteraner flying over Lidingö, Sweden (1989) | |
| Role | Airliner and transport aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Douglas Aircraft Company |
| First flight | December 17, 1935 |
| Introduction | 1936 |
| Status | In service |
| Produced | 1936–1942, 1950 |
| Number built | 607 |
| Unit cost | US$79,500 (equivalent to $1,696,900 in 2022) |
| Developed from | Douglas DC-2 |
| Variants | Douglas C-47 Skytrain Lisunov Li-2 Showa/Nakajima L2D Basler BT-67 Conroy Turbo-Three Conroy Tri-Turbo-Three |
The Douglas DC-3 is a famous American airplane. It has two propellers and fixed wings. The Douglas Aircraft Company designed it. This plane was very successful, with 607 DC-3s built. Even today, some companies still use DC-3s. This is amazing, especially with newer jet planes available!
The DC-3 was an improved version of an earlier plane, the DC-2. When it first flew in 1935 and was introduced in 1936, it changed air travel. It could fly much farther than other planes of its time. This made long flights easier for passengers.
A Plane for War and Peace
During WWII, the DC-3 became very important. A military version, called the C-47 "Skytrain", was used a lot. It was the main transport plane for the U.S. Military.
The C-47 Skytrain
The C-47 Skytrain carried soldiers and supplies. It played a big role in major events. For example, it was used during D-Day, when Allied forces landed in France. These planes dropped paratroopers and towed gliders. They helped move troops and equipment quickly.
After the War
After WWII, many C-47s were turned back into DC-3s. They continued to fly passengers and cargo. This plane helped start modern air travel. It made flying more common and affordable for many people. Its strong design meant it could fly for many years. Some DC-3s are still flying today, over 80 years later!
Images for kids
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Inside a DC-3 airliner cabin.
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A Douglas Sleeper Transport (DST). Notice the extra windows for upper bunk beds.
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The Wright R-1820 Cyclone 9 engine of an American Airlines DC-3.
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A C-47 powered by modern turboprop engines.
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An Aigle Azur (France) Douglas C-47B in 1953. It had a small jet engine for extra power.
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An Air India DC-3 at London Heathrow Airport in 1958.
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An Iranian National Airways DC-3 in 1954.
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A DC-3 with special floats for landing on water in 2003.
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Two C-47s in 1977. One is loading skydivers, while another taxis.
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Betsy, a DC-3 now in the Hong Kong Science Museum. It started flying with Cathay Pacific in 1946.
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C-47 Skytrains during the Berlin Airlift in 1948.
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A Rovos Air C-47A flying in South Africa in 2006.
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A DC-3 flown as a warbird. It used to fly for the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
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A TransNorthern Super DC-3 (C-117D) landing in Anchorage, Alaska.
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The only Conroy Tri-Turbo-Three at the 1978 Farnborough Airshow.
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A Nakajima L2D in Japanese markings.
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A three-view drawing of the Douglas DC-3.
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The cockpit of a DC-3.
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See also
In Spanish: Douglas DC-3 para niños
