History
Early 1935 Douglas was requested by American Airlines to develop a replacement for its Curtiss Condor sleeper transports. Douglas reacted with the Douglas Sleeper Transport, de Douglas DST.
This development of the DC-2 had a 76 wider diameter, had a longer fuselage and a larger wingspan. In November 1935 American Airlines ordered ten examples, but changed the order soon in in eight DST’s and twelve aircraft without beds, these were designated DC-3.
This aircraft proofed to be profitable for the airline companies. Douglas delivered 400 examples before the war.
During the second world war over 10000 examples were built in different military variants, but mainly as C-47.
An overview of this variants can be found here.
The main variants are:
- C-47:
- initial military version of the DC-3 with seats for 27 man. 965 examples built, twelve of which were delivered to the US Navy as R4D-1.
- C-47A:
- C-47 with 24 volt electrical system. 5254 examples built including R4D-5 for the US Navy.
- C-47B:
- C-47 with two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-90 with superchargers and enlarged fuel capacity. 3364 examples built.
| Dimensions: | |||
| Length: | 19,64 m | Wingspan: | 28,95 m |
| Height: | 5,16 m | Wing area: | 91,1 m2 |
| Weights: | |||
| Empty weight: | 7640 kg | Max. start weight: | 11 793 kg |
| Performances: | |||
| Max. speed: | 370 km/hr | Rate of climb: | - m/min |
| Cruising speed: | 298 km/hr | ||
| Range: | 2413 km | Service ceiling: | - m |
| Miscellaneous: | |||
| Engine type: | Twee Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 Twin Wasp rated 1200 hp each | ||
| Crew: | Three | ||
| Armament: | None | ||
In service with RNlAF; RNlNAS; NEIAF and 1316 Flight RAF.
In service with RNlAF.
Just in 1952 the Royal Netherlands Air Force received its first Dakotas.
However, after the war a Dakota has been in use with the TranVa (transport service) for some time. It is uncertain which aircraft it was and which RNlAF registration is received. C. van den Heuvel states in his booklet on Air Force registrations that it was the former NL-205, of 1316 Flight, being registered as X-1 (although, according to C. van den Heuvel, just in 1947 the Alphabetical registration system was put in use until 1947). This aircraft was written off after an accident near Katwijk in January 1946.
In September 1948 a DC-3, PH-TBV was leased for some time from KLM. The bare metal aircraft was registered X-2, but the civil registration was still applied on thw vertical tail.
In 1950 and 1951, other DC-3s were hired from KLM, but these aircraft kept their civil registration and didn't receive a military registration.
In 1948 the TransVa was renamed in 334 Squadron, but received her first Dakotas in 1952.
The X-1 entered service in February 1952 and is an mysterious aircraft, since the nameplate was missing. About this machine several rumours are spread. The plane's logs report that it had been found. C. van den Heuvel mentions in his book about Air Force registrations that it is possible that the aircraft has been used by refugees and landed without badges at Valkenburg.
While participating the rescue operation for the flood of 1953, the X-1 crashed during take-off in February 1953.
Douglas C-47 Dakota, (ex Danish air force) painted as ZU-5, photographed in 1983 at the Militaire Luchtvaart Museum at Soesterberg.
In August 1952 a additional four aircraft entered service, originating from the Belgian Air Force; these received registrations X-2 through X-5.
In the summer of 1952 arrived a number of Dakotas, which were borrowed under MDAP conditions from the USA, these received registrations X-5 to X-17. These had to be overhauled and after the revision they entered service with squadron codes ZU.
In 1960, the Dakotas X-4, X-5 X-11 and X-13 were flown to Biak in Dutch New Guinea and made available to the MLD, which used them as 018, 019, 078 and 079.
Between 1960 and 1961, the X-6 till X-9, X-12, X-14 till X-17 were returned to the Americans.
The X-2, X-3 and X-10 were flown to Mokmer on Dutch New Guinea because of the tense situation with Indonesia at that time. They were being assigned to the newly established 336th squadron .
In 1962, two aircraft have been purchased to replace losses. This DC-3C's received registration X-18 and X-19 and could be be distinguished from the other aircraft by the absence of a large cargo door in the fuselage.
In November 1962 all remaining aircraft were sold to Jones & Guerro to Manila.
In service with RNlNAS.
Shortly after the end of World War II fifteen Dakotas were bought in Manila, which were first overhauled in Australia. They were received the Dutch flag as national marking an registrations Q-1 to Q-15.
On December 22, 1945 Q-1, Q-2 and Q-3 left for Australia. However, the Q-1 was lost while landing on Biak The rest of the aircraft was transferred in January and February.
After the major repairs, the aircraft were flown to Netherlands East Indies and assigned to 321 squadron.
The registrations were then changed to W-2 to W-15. To replace the Q-1, a new example was purchased, which received registration W-16. Initially the registration letter W was applied, but soon it was adjusted and applied as 23.
The aircraft were used for a diverse range of transport tasks, including supply of stocks, repatriation of ex-prisoner of war, but also patrols.
On March 26, 1947, the W-12 was lost because of an emergency landing in the bush of Australia. After the transfer of sovereignty in December 1949 the Dakotas were handed over to the AURI (Angatan Udara Republik Indonesia).
Late 1959 and early 1960, four former RNlAF Dakotas were purchased to replace the Martin Mariners. This pending ordered Lockheed Neptunes
In February 1960, the first two aircraft arrived at Biak with registration 018 and 019, in May the other two arrived, with registrations 078 and 079.
The Dakotas were used for transport and patrol flights over Dutch New Guinea. On January 1, 1961, the 079 crashed during a nightly exercise with torches.
On October 12, 1961 sufficient Neptunes were available and the Dakotas were returned to the Dutch Air Force. The aircraft were received their original registrations and were assigned to 336 squadron which was stationed on Biak.
In service with NEIAF.
p.m.
In service with 1316 Flight RAF.
DC-3 of the KLM
In 1933 Fokker acquired the licensing rights for the DC-2 and later also for the DC-3.
Fokker eventually sold 39 DC-2s and 65 DC-3's in Europe and has not a single example built.
Of these examples 18 DC-2s and 25 DC-3s were destined for the KLM.
The KLM DC-3 was fitted with Wright Cyclone radial engines, it had a landing light in the nose and the passenger door was on the right side of the fuselage and a cargo hatch on the left side of the device.
The first arrived in October 1936, the PH-ALI "Ibis". As soon some problems occurred with the engines and in August 1938 a new and improved type of engine, the Cyclone G-105, was released, which was more powerful.
During 1939 and 1940 , the European flights were more en more constrained.
With the invasion of the Netherlands in May 1940, the activities of the KLM temporarily ended.
At the outbreak of the war of the original 25 machines are about 21 examples were left.
Due to the bombing in the Netherlands PH-ALU, PH-ARX, PH-ASP and PH-AST were destroyed. The PH-ALH, PH-ALV, PH-ASK, PH-ASM and PH-ASR were cclaimed by the Germans and used by the Luftwaffe and Lufthansa.
The PH-ALI escaped to England and was used as G-AGBB for BOAC; PH-ALR same as G-AGBC; PH-ARB same as G-AGBD; PH-ARW as G-AGBU; PH-ARZ as G-AGBE. The aircraft continued to be owned by KLM and were flown by KLM staff.
In early 1944 three Douglas C-47s were delivered G-AGJR; G-GGJS and G-AGJT. These differed from the older machines KLM by the engines and a astro dome on top of the fuselage.
1316 Flight.
During the second world war, the Metropolitan Communications Squadron was formed.
The B-flight of this transport squadron consisted of many Dutch and Belgian staff and became an independent transport unit, no 1316 (English) Communications Flight RAF in July 1944.
Initially, this unit was equipped with four DeHavilland DH-89B Dominies, a Lockheed 12A and a Percival Proctor III and a Lockheed Hudson.
In November 1944 two Dakotas are added to the inventory, which are used for transporting foodstuffs to the now liberated southern Netherlands.
In June 1945 some KLM Dakota's and a DC-2 were chartered and used for military air transports.
[The drawing shows how a KLM plane there may have seen off].
In April 1945 six Dakotas were made available and assigned to 1316 Flight, which when operated from Croydon.
In the winter of 1945/1946 the flight was canceled and the equipment was transferred to KLM.
Serial overview RNlAF; RNLNAS; NEIAF and 1316 Flight RAF
Serial overview 1316 Flight RAF
| Serial
Serial
| RAF Serial
RAF Serial
| Fiscal Year nr.
Fiscal Year nr.
| Constr. nr.
Constr. nr.
| Date in service
Date in service
| Date out of service
Date out of service
| Type
Type
| Notes
Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL-201 | FL587 | 2022 | 01-11-1944 | 01-12-1944 | Douglas C-47A-1-DK Dakota; | Pre war type. Used by KLM as PH-ARZ. Later to BOAC as G-AGBE (with KLM crew). Hired by Dutch Government from KLM. Returned to KLM as PH-TBE. |
|
| NL-202 | FZ617 | 1980 | 01-11-1944 | 01-12-1944 | Douglas C-47A-1-DK Dakota; | Pre War type. Used by KLM as PH-ARB. During ww II as G-AGBD, BOAC (with KLM crew). Hired by Dutch Government from KLM. Returned to KLM as PH-TBD. |
|
| NL-204 | FZ618 | 42-92379 | 12173 | 01-06-1945 | 25-01-1946 | Douglas C-47A-1-DK Dakota | Was PH-AZS (KLM); During WW II G-AGJS, BOAC. Hired by Dutch Government from KLM and return to KLM as PH-TAZ |
| NL-205 | 43-16131 | 20597 | 16-06-1945 | 16-01-1946 | Douglas C-47A-90-DL Dakota; | Written off after accident near Katwijk. Construction nr. is uncertain. Possibly to RNlAF as (first) X-1. |
|
| NL-206 | 42-92914 | 12767 | 01-06-1945 | 27-02-1946 | Douglas C-47A-15-DK Dakota. | To KLM as PH-TBY. | |
| NL-207 | 43-15319 | 19785 | 01-06-1945 | 27-02-1946 | Douglas C-47A-80-DL Dakota; | To KLM as PH-TBZ. | |
| NL-208 | 42-93081 | 12953 | 01-06-1945 | 27-02-1946 | Douglas C-47A-20-DK Dakota; | To KLM as PH-TCA. | |
| NL-209 | 43-15044 | 19510 | 01-06-1945 | 27-02-1946 | Douglas C-47A-80-DL Dakota; | To KLM as PH-TCB | |
| NL-210 | 42-92884 | 12734 | 01-06-1945 | 27-02-1946 | Douglas C-47-15-DK Dakota; | To KLM as PH-TCC. | |
Serial overview RNlAF.
| Serial
Serial
| 2nd Serial
2nd Serial
| RAF Serial
RAF Serial
| Fiscal Year nr.
Fiscal Year nr.
| Constr. nr.
Constr. nr.
| Date in service
Date in service
| Date out of service
Date out of service
| Type
Type
| Notes
Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X-1 | 20597 | 16-05-1945 | 16-01-1946 | First X-1; Was NL-205 ?? Written off after accident near Katwijk. |
||||
| X-1 | 43-15329 | 29-02-1952 | 06-02-1953 | Douglas C-47A Dakota | Second X-1 Written off after crash. | |||
| X-2 | ZU-2 | 43-16413 | 20879 | 29-08-1952 | 09-11-1962 | Douglas C-47B-1-DL Dakota | Second X-2. Was K-5/OT-CWC (Belg. AF). Struck of charge and sold to Philippines |
|
| X-2 | 43-15329 | 19795 | Douglas C-47A-80-DL Dakota | First X-2. Was PH-TBV. Hired in 1949 by LSK from KLM. Military markings, but civil registration PG-TBV retained on tail. |
||||
| X-3 | ZU-3 | KN325 | 43-76300 | 32632/ 158 | 29-08-1952 | 31-03-1962 | Douglas C-47B-25-DK Dakota | Was K-26/OT-CWL (Belg. AF). Written off after crash near Sorong, Nieuw Guinea. |
| X-4 | ZU-4 | KN215 | 43-49735 | 26996/ 155 | 29-08-1952 | 07-11-1962 | Douglas C-47B-20-DK Dakota | Was K-27/OT-CWM (Belg. AF). Shortly used by RNlNAS (MLD as 018; Sold as PI-C643 |
| X-5 | ZU-5KN636 | 44-76991 | 33323/1657 | 29-08-1952 | 07-11-1962 | Douglas C-47B-35-DK Dakota | Was K-32/OT-CNS (Belg. AF) Shortly used by RNlNAS (MLD 019. Sold as XV-NIK, Air Vietnam. |
|
| X-6 | ZU-6 | KN342 | 44-76325 | 32657/1590 | 10-03-1953 | 12-09-1960 | Douglas C-47B-25-DK Dakota | To USA |
| X-7 | ZU-7 | KN608 | 44-76920 | 33252/1650 | 01-04-1953 | 20-10-1960 | Douglas C-47B-35-DK Dakota | To USA |
| X-8 | ZU-8 | KN699 | 44-77083 | 33415/1660 | 06-08-1953 | 09-03-1961 | Douglas C-47B-35-DK Dakota | To USA. |
| X-9 | ZU-9 | KN661 | 44-77030 | 33362/1661 | 05-06-1953 | 18-10-1961 | Douglas C-47B-35-DK Dakota | To USA |
| X-10 | ZU-10 | KN233 | 43-49453 | 26714/1526 | 18-09-1953 | 07-11-1962 | Douglas C-47B-15-DK Dakota | To Filipines |
| X-11 | ZU-11 | KN312 | 44-76281 | 32613/1586 | 24-02-1952 | 28-06-1962 | Douglas C-47B-25-DK Dakota | Shortly used by RNlNAS (MLD) as 078. Written off after accident Carstens mountains (New Guinea). |
| X-12 | ZU-12 | KN605 | 44-76916 | 33248/1650 | 08-07-1953 | 09-02-1961 | Douglas C-47B-35-DK Dakota | To USA. |
| X-13 | ZU-13 | KN629 | 44-76953 | 33285/1653 | 05-06-1953 | 02-01-1961 | Douglas C-47B-35-DK Dakota | Shortly used by RNlNAS (MLD[ as 079; Written off after crash in sea on 2-1-1961, killing all of the crew] |
| X-14 | ZU-14 | KN632 | 44-76957 | 23259/1654 | 07-01-1953 | 09-02-1961 | Douglas C-47B-35-DK Dakota | To USA |
| X-15 | ZU-15 | KJ824 | 43-48347 | 25608/1416 | 08-01-1954 | 09-02-1961 | Douglas C-47B-1-DK Dakota | To USA. |
| X-16 | ZU-16 | KJ932 | 43-48843 | 26104/1645 | 11-08-1952 | 08-03-1961 | Douglas C-47B-5-DK Dakota; | To USA |
| X-17 | ZU-17 | KN696 | 44-77079 | 33411/1666 | 04-05-1954 | 24-01-1961 | Douglas C-47B-35-DK Dakota | To USA |
| X-18 | ZU-18 | 42-92127 | 11971 | 24-07-1962 | 07-11-1962 | Douglas C-47A-1-DK Dakota | Sold as XW-PFW, Continental Airlines. | |
| X-19 | ZU-19 | 43-48106, | 25367/1392 | 25-09-1962 | 07-11-1962 | Douglas C-47A-30-DK Dakota | Was VH-SBH, Trans Australian Airlines. Sold as VH-EDD, Qantas. |
Serial overview RNlNAS.
| Serial
Serial
| RAF Serial
RAF Serial
| Fiscal Year nr.
Fiscal Year nr.
| Constr. nr.
Constr. nr.
| Date in service
Date in service
| Date out of service
Date out of service
| Type
Type
| Notes
Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q-1 | 45-15239 | 19705 | 22-12-1945 | 24-12-1945 | Douglas C-47A-80-DL Dakota; | Crashed and written off. | |
| Q-10 | W-10/2 | 42-93567 | 13493 | 01-02-1946 | 15-12-1950 | Douglas C-47A-25-DK Dakota | Transferred to AURI |
| Q-11 | W-11/2 | 42-93678 | 13616 | 07-10-1950 | 02-02-1946 | Douglas C-47A-25-DK Dakota | Transferred to AURI |
| Q-12 | W-12/2 | 42-93312 | 13210 | 01-02-1946 | 25-03-1947 | Douglas C-47A-25-DK Dakota | Crashed near Port Darwin and written off. |
| Q-13 | W-13/2 | 42-92821 | 12664 | 01-02-1946 | 07-10-1950 | Douglas C-47A-15-DK Dakota | Transferred to AURI |
| Q-14 | W-14/2 | 42-92047 | 11804 | 01-02-1946 | 07-10-1950 | Douglas C-47A-DK Dakota | Transferred to AURI |
| Q-15 | W-15/2 | 42-23946 | 9808 | 01-02-1946 | 15-12-1950 | Douglas C-47A-35-DL Dakota | Transferred to AURI |
| Q-16 | W-16/2 | 42-23721 | 9583 | 01-02-1946 | 15-12-1950 | Douglas C-47A-30-DL Dakota | Transferred to AURI |
| Q-2 | W-2/23 | 42-93234 | 13123 | 22-12-1945 | 07-10-1950 | Douglas C-47A-20-DK Dakota | Transferred to AURI |
| Q-3 | W-3/23 | 42-23656 | 9518 | 22-12-1945 | 15-12-1950 | Douglas C-47A-30-DL Dakota | Transferred to AURI |
| Q-4 | W-4/23 | 43-15436 | 19902 | 07-01-1946 | 07-10-1950 | Douglas C-47A-85-DL Dakota | Transferred to AURI |
| Q-5 | W-5/23 | 42-23891 | 9753 | 07-01-1946 | 07-10-1950 | Douglas C-47A-35-DL Dakota | Transferred to AURI |
| Q-6 | W-6/23 | 42-23865 | 9727 | 07-01-1946 | 07-10-1950 | Douglas C-47A-35-DL Dakota | Transferred to AURI |
| Q-7 | W-7/23 | 43-48228 | 14044, 254 | 02-02-1946 | 07-10-1950 | Douglas C-47A-30-DK Dakota | Transferred to AURI |
| Q-8 | W-8/23 | 42-93576 | 13503 | 01-02-1946 | 07-10-1950 | Douglas C-47A-25-DK Dakota | Transferred to AURI |
| Q-9 | W-9/23 | 42-23537 | 9399 | 01-01-1946 | 07-10-1950 | Douglas C-47A-20-DL Dakota | Transferred to AURI |
| These for C-47's were taken over from RNlAF to bridger the period before deliverey of the Lockheed P2V-7B | |||||||
| 018/B | KN215 | 43-49735 | 26996/ 155 | 12-02-1960 | 02-10-1961 | Former X-4 of RNLAF Returned to RNlAF |
|
| 019 /B | KN636 | 44-76991 | 33323/1657 | 12-02-1960 | 02-10-1961 | Former X-5 of RNLAF Returned to RNlAF |
|
| 078 | KN312 | 44-76281 | 15865/3261 | 12-02-1960 | 02-10-1961 | Former X-11 of RNLAF Returned to RNlAF |
|
| 079 | KN629 | 44-76953 | 16537/3328 | 22-02-1960 | 02-01-1961 | Former X-13 of RNLAF. Used for reconnaissance. Written off after crash in sea on 2-1-1961, killing all of the crew |
|
Serial overview NEIAF.
| Serial
Serial
| 2nd Serial
2nd Serial
| Fiscal Year nr.
Fiscal Year nr.
| Constr. nr.
Constr. nr.
| Date in service
Date in service
| Date out of service
Date out of service
| Type
Type
| Notes
Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DT-937 | T-437 | 42-92256 | 12036 | 22-12-1943 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47A-1-DK Dakota. | Call-sign VHRDG. To KLM as PK-RDG. |
| DT-938 | T-438 | 42-92198 | 11972 | 12-11-1943 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47A-1-DK Dakota. | Call-sign VHRDH. To KLM as PK-RDH |
| DT-939 | T-439 | 42-92474 | 12279 | 17-02-1944 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47A-5-DK Dakota. | Call-sign VHRDI |
| DT-940 | T-440 | 42-92311 | 12097 | 09-02-1944 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47A-1-DK Dakota. | Call-sign VHRDJ. To KLM as PK-RDJ. |
| DT-941 | 42-93015 | 12880 | 15-04-1944 | 06-09-1944 | Douglas C-47A-20-DK Dakota | Call-sign VHRDK. Crashed near Cairns, Australia and written off. |
|
| DT-942 | 42-108903 | 12878 | 17-04-1944 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47A-20-DK | Dakota.Call-sign VHRDL. To KLM as PK-RDL |
|
| DT-943 | T-443 | 42-93433 | 13344 | 14-06-1944 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47A-25-DK Dakota. | Call-sign VHRDM. To KLM as PK-RDM. |
| DT-944 | T-444 | 42-93434 | 13345 | 20-06-1944 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47A-25-DK Dakota; | Call-sign VHRDN To KLM as PK-RDN, later to Indonesia |
| DT-945 | 44-76359 | 15943/3269 | 26-02-1945 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47B-25-DK Dakota. | Call-sign VHRDY. To KLM as PK-RDY. |
|
| DT-946 | 44-76360 | 15944/3269 | 06-03-1945 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47B-25-DK Dakota. | Call-sign VHRDZ. To KLM as PK-RDZ. |
|
| DT-947 | 44-78796 | 33128 | 06-03-1945 | 10-02-1948 | Douglas C-47B-25-DK Dakota | Crashed near Padalarang and written off. | |
| DT-948 | 44-7876798 | 33130 | 06-03-1945 | 01-01-1946 | Douglas C-47B-25-DK Dakota | Scrapped in 1946 for spare parts. | |
| DT-949 | 44-77143 | 16727/3347 | 07-07-1945 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47B-35-DK Dakota. | Call-sign VHREC. To KLM as PK-REC. |
|
| DT-950 | T-450 | 44-77145 | 16729/3347 | 07-07-1945 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47B-35-K Dakota. | Call-sign VHRED. To KLM as PK-RED |
| DT-951 | 42-23419 | 9281 | 01-01-1949 | Douglas C-47A-20-DL Dakota | Call-sign VHREE. To KLM as PK-REE. |
||
| DT-952 | T-452 | 42-93310 | 13207 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47A-25-DK Dakota | Call-sign VHREF. To KLM as PK-REF, later PK-VDO |
|
| DT-953 | 41-18671 | 6032 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47-DL Dakota | Call-sign VHREG. To KLM as PK-REG |
||
| DT-954 | 41-38740 | 6199 | 01-04-1948 | Douglas C-47-DL Dakota | Call-sign VHREH. To KLM as PK-REH |
||
| DT-955 | 03-05-1905 | Douglas C-47 Dakota | Call-sign VHREJ. To KLM as PK-REJ. |
||||
| DT-956 | 01-01-1946 | Douglas C-47 Dakota | Call-sign VHREJ. Midst of 1946 scrapped for spare parts. |
||||
| DT-957 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47 Dakota | Often 20669 is mentioned as construction number, this is in fact the USAAF contract number. Call-sign VH-REK. To KLM as PK-REK |
||||
| DT-958 | 43-49871 | 15687/2713 | 01-01-1946 | Douglas C-47B-20-DK Dakota. | Call-sign VHRDY. Scrapped midst of 1946 for spare parts. | ||
| DT-959 | T-459 | 42-23689 | 9551 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47A-30-DL Dakota | ||
| DT-960 | 29-04-1950 | Douglas C-47 Dakota | |||||
| DT-961 | 29-04-1950 | Douglas C-47 Dakota | |||||
| DT-962 | T-462 | 42-93571 | 13497 | 29-04-1945 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47 Dakota | To AURIS. Currently in AURI museum at Jokjakarta, Indonesia |
| DT-963 | T-463 | 42-92796 | 12636 | 28-04-1945 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47A-15-DK Dakota | |
| DT-964 | T-464 | 43-48235 | 14051/2549 | 29-04-1945 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47A-30-DK Dakota | |
| DT-965 | Douglas C-47 Dakota | ||||||
| DT-966 | 26-02-1947 | Douglas C-47 Dakota | Written off | ||||
| DT-967 | T-467 | 42-93670 | 13607 | 03-05-1950 | Douglas C-47A-25-DK Dakota | ||
| DT-968 | 29-04-1950 | Douglas C-47 Dakota | |||||
| DT-969 | 29-04-1950 | Douglas C-47 Dakota | |||||
| DT-970 | T-970 | 43-15941 | 20407 | 01-01-1949 | Douglas C-47A-90-DL Dakota | ||
| DT-971 | 43-15575 | 20041 | 29-04-1905 | 01-04-1948 | Douglas C-47A-85-DL Dakota | ||
| DT-972 | 29-04-1905 | 12-03-1947 | Douglas C-47 Dakota | Written off | |||
| DT-973 | T-973 | 43-15224 | 19690 | 29-04-1905 | 01-01-1949 | Douglas C-47A-80 DL Dakota | |
| DT-974 | T-974 | 43-15253 | 19719 | 29-04-1905 | 08-01-1949 | Douglas C-47A-80-DL Dakota | |
| DT-975 | T-975 | 43-15157 | 19623 | 29-04-1905 | 08-01-1949 | Douglas C-47A-80-DL Dakota | |
| DT-976 | T-976 | 43-15145 | 19611 | 29-04-1905 | 01-01-1949 | Douglas C-47A-80-DL Dakota | |
| DT-977 | T-977 | 42-93698 | 13639 | 29-04-1905 | 01-01-1949 | Douglas C-47A-25-DK Dakota | |
| DT-978 | T-978 | 43-15206 | 19672 | 29-04-1905 | 01-01-1949 | Douglas C-47A-80-DL Dakota | |
| DT-979 | T-979 | 43-15378 | 19844 | 29-04-1905 | 01-01-1949 | Douglas C-47A-80-DL Dakota | |
| DT-980 | T-980 | 42-93063 | 12933 | 29-04-1905 | 01-01-1949 | Douglas C-47A-20-DK Dakota | |
| DT-981 | 42-93781 | 13731 | 29-04-1905 | 26-08-1947 | Douglas C-47A-25-DK Dakota | ||
| DT-982 | NI-471 | 42-100542 | 19005 | 01-10-1946 | 01-04-1948 | Douglas C-47A-65-DL Dakota | |
| DT-983 | NI-472 | 42-93680 | 13619 | 01-10-1946 | 01-04-1948 | Douglas C-47A-25-DK Dakota | |
| DT-984 | NI-473 | 42-100816 | 19279 | 01-10-1946 | 01-04-1948 | Douglas C-47A-70-DL Dakota | |
| DT-985 | NI-474 | 42-92870 | 12719 | 01-10-1946 | 01-04-1948 | Douglas C-47A-15-DK Dakota | |
| DT-986 | NI-475 | 42-93540 | 13463 | 01-10-1946 | 01-04-1948 | Douglas C-47A-25-DK Dakota | |
| DT-987 | NI-476 | 42-93605 | 13535 | 01-10-1946 | 01-01-1948 | Douglas C-47A-25-DK Dakota | |
| DT-988 | NI-477 | 43-15192 | 19658 | 01-10-1946 | 01-04-1948 | Douglas C-47A-80-DL Dakota | |
| DT-989 | NI-478 | 42-93813 | 13766 | 01-10-1946 | 01-04-1948 | Douglas C-47A-25-DK Dakota | |
| DT-990 | NI-479 | 42-93170 | 13052 | 01-10-1946 | 01-04-1948 | Douglas C-47A-20-DK Dakota | |
| DT-991 | NI-480 | 42-92686 | 12514 | 01-10-1946 | 01-04-1948 | Douglas C-47A-10-DK Dakota | |
| DT-992 | NI-470 | 42954 | 01-04-1946 | 01-04-1948 | Douglas DC-3D Dakota |
1/72nd Scale
Kits
- Airfix
- Kit 483/4003/4016: C-47 gunship: the old Airfix kit originating from 1960.
- Airfix also released a Dakota (kit 05031 and /or A07005 ??); this was the Italeri kit with different decals
- Kit 08014: Douglas C-47 Skytrain: a completely new kit.
- See also the review at Britmodeller
- ESCI
- Kit 9123: DC-3 Dakota
- Kit 9014: DC-3 liner
- Kit 9023: Monty;'s Dakota
- Kit 9052: C-47 Skytrain
- Kit 9100: Douglas DC-3: a special release with decals for PH-DDA because fo 50 Years DC-3
- Kit 9019: Douglas R4D with skis
- Italeri
- Kit 127: Douglas C47 Skytrain
- Kit 1167: AC-47 "Spooky"
- Kit 132: DC-3 Dakota
- MPM
- Kit 72176: Model of a Douglas C-33/C-39, USAAC
- Revell
- Kit 04248: Douglas DC-3 Dakota
- Kit 04234: Douglas DC3 Dakota "Finnair/Ilmavoimat"
- Kit 04357: Dougals C-47
A Dakota of the RNlAF, I've built this model in 1987.
The kit used is Italeri in 1/72nd scale. Decals from Dutch Decal set 72001.
A Dakota of the RNEIAF, I've built this model also in 1987.
The kit used is Italeri in 1/72nd scale. Decals from Dutch Decal set 72001.
A Douglas DC-3 of no 19 squadron of NEIAF. I built this model spring 2015.
The decals are home made, only the Dutch flags originate from Flevo Decal. The kit I used is the old 1/72nd scale ESCI kit.
A Douglas DC-3 of KLM/BOAC during the second World War. I bult this model spring 2015.
The decals come from CloudMaster; The kit I used is the old 1/72nd scale ESCI kit.
Modelling add-on
- Aeroclub
- Kit V223: Douglas DC3/C47 landing gear legs
- Kit P090: Hamilton Standard Hydro 12"(C47,DC3,PBY)
- Airmodel
- Kit 261: Douglas C117/R4D Skytrain. Basic vacuform conversion for the ultimate Dakota. Based on Airfix's C47. No decals included.
- Airwaves
- Set AC72190: DC3/C47 Dakota Detail set
- Classic Plane
- Kit M21: Douglas C47 Dakota Nasarr Trainer (Luftwaffe). C47 with Starfighter Nose. Italeri kit with a resin nose and New Luftwaffe decals
- Kit MXX: Douglas DC3 "KLM" (Orange pre 1940 scheme) [Italeri C47 kit with additional pre-war resin engines and new KLM decals ]
- D.B. productions
- Kit XX: 2x Douglas DC2/3 Cyclone Engines
- Eduard
- Set 72-252: Detailset Douglas C47 Dakota (Italeri)
- Set XS075: Express Mask C47 Dakota (Italeri)
- Set E72-590: Detailset Douglas C47 Dakota Surface panels (Airfix)
- Set E72-587: Detailset Douglas C47 Dakota exterior (Airfix)
- Set E73-513: Detailset Douglas C47 Dakota Interior Self Adhesive (Airfix)
- Set E72-588: Detailset Douglas C47 Dakota Landing Flaps (Airfix)
- Set E73-514: Detailset Douglas C47 Dakota Cargo Seatbelts (Airfix)
- OZ Models
- Kit 07205: DC3 passenger door insert for converting C47 (Italeri)
- QuickBoost
- Set 72037: C47 Dakota Engines (ESCI)
- Set 72031: C47 Dakota Engines (Italeri/Revell/Airfix)
- Red Roo
- Kit R72113: Douglas DC2/DC3 Wright Cyclone Engines for DC2 and pre war DC3/DST
- Kit M72105: Douglas DC3 Replacement Nose (ESCI)
- Scale Aircraft Conversions
- Kit 72023: Douglas DC3, C-47 Dakota Landing Gear (replacement for 1/72 Italeri/Revell)
- True Details
- Kit 72021: Douglas DC3/C47 Dakota Wheel Set
- Vector Resin
- Set 72004: Pratt & Whitney R1830; PBY, P26,TBD, B24, C47, P35, Sunderland, F4F, Boomerang, Maryland, Hudson this set contains only ONE engine
Decals
- Dutch Decal
- Set 72001: Decal set for Dakota's of squadron 334 and 336 and of 1e TransVA.
- Set 72002: Decalset for Dakota's of NEIAF
- Set 72067: Dutch East Indies (Lodestar, C47, B25D/J Mitchell, K57 "Topsy", L4J, Fokker CX RNEIAF, Kansan, B25G Mitchell RNMFS)
- FlevoDecal
- Set FD72-003: Netherlands East Indies KNIL 1942-1947 part 1 (Hurricane, C47, C54, P40N, B25 Mitchell'.
- Set FD72-004: KLu 1 Transva (Hudson, Proctor, Anson, Dominie, C47, L12, Auster)
- Set FD72-007: 334 Squadron pt. 1 (3x C-47, 2x Beaver, 3x Fokker F-27)
1/48th Scale
Kits
- Monogram
- Kit RMX85-5615: AC47 Vietnam Gunship
- Revell
- Kit 4697: Douglas C-47 Dakota Skytrain
- Trumpeter
- Kit 0282: Douglas C47A Skytrain
- Kit 0289: Douglas DC-3 Dakota
- Aires
- 4446: C47 Dakota Wheels and paint mask (Trumpeter)
- Eduard
- Set big 4911: Douglas C-47 Dakota Skytrain (designed to be used with Trumpeter kits) ED48607 Douglas C-47 Dakota Skytrain landing flaps ED48609 Douglas C-47 Dakota exterior ED49428 Douglas C-47 Dakota Skytrain cargo seatbelts ED49431 Douglas C-47 Dakota Skytrain interior (self adhesive) EDEX256 Douglas C-47 Dakota Skytrain paint mask .
- Set 48-609: Detailset Douglas C47 Skytrain Exterior (Trumpeter)
- Set 49-431 / FE431: Detailset Douglas C47 Skytrain Interior Self Adhesive (Trumpeter)
- Set 48-607: Detailset Douglas C47 Skytrain Landing Flaps (Trumpeter.
- Set 49428: Douglas C-47 Dakota Skytrain cargo seatbelts PRE-PAINTED IN COLOUR! (designed to be used with Trumpeter kits).
- Set X256: Aircraft paint masks (self adhesive) (designed to be used with Trumpeter kits).
- QuickBoost
- Set 48081 Douglas C-47 Dakota engines (designed to be used with Monogram and Revell kits
- Set 48238 Douglas C-47 Dakota correct tail rudder (designed to be used with Trumpeter kits)
- Set 48329: Douglas C-47 Dakota correct cowling(designed to be used with Trumpeter kits)
- Scale Aircraft Conversions
- Set 48009 Douglas C47, DC3 Dakota Landing Gear (Monogram/Revell)
- True Details
- Set 48052 C47/DC3 Dakota Wheel Set
Decals
- Dutch Decal
- Set 48025: Swordfish MKIIb, T7, PBY5A (Kon Marine) Meteor F8, C47(KLU)
- FlevoDecal
- Set FD48-007: 334 Squadron pt.1 (2x C-47, 2x Beaver)
- Set FD48-003: Netherlands East Indies KNIL 1942-1947 part 1 (Hurricane, C47, P40N, B25 Mitchell'
- Set FD48-001: Swordfish MK.IIb, T7, PBY5A (Kon Marine) Meteor F8, C47(KLU)
Colour information RNlAF; RNlNAS; NEIAF and 1316 Flight RAF
Colour information BOAC and 1316 Flight RAF
| Scheme | Colour name | FS-number | BS-number | Humbrol | XtraColor | Vallejo Model Color | Vallejo Model Air | Hataka | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colour schemes RAF and BOAC aircraft | |||||||||
| Standard #1 DC-3 BOAC | Upper sides | Dark Green | BS:641 | 163 | X001 | 70.892 | 71.324 | ~016 | |
| Dark Earth | BS:450 | 29 | X002 | 70.921 | 71.323 | ~009 | |||
| Lower sides | Aluminium Dope | 56 / 191 | 70.864 | 71.016 | |||||
| Standard #2 conform USAF (no medium green spots) | Upper sides | US Dark Olive Drab 41 | ~4092 | 66 | X111/X112/X113 | 70.887 | 71.016 | ~018 | |
| Lower sides | US Neutral Grey 43 | ca ~6173 | Mix: 1*156 + 1*34 (176 ??) | X133/X207 | 70.992 | 71.051 | ~033 | ||
Check www.paint4models.com for an extensive conversion table with lots of colour and paint systems.
A second one, PH-ARZ also succeeded to escape to England. Both were equipped with two Wright engines.
Both were used during the war by BOAC and flown by KLM personel.
The profile is showing the "Buizerd"(Buzzard) as it might have looked like as NL202.
Further information is very welcome!
Colour Information RNlAF
In summer of 1952 the X-1 till X-5 were delivered in bare metal with black anti-glare on the nose and inside of engine plates. Under the underside of the wing near the engines a black area of 1 m wide was applied.
Above the windows a black belt with yellow text LUCHTMACHT NEDERLAND at the left and at right the text NETHERLANDS AIR FORCE was applied.
Later, the X-2 was the first with a white roof.
In fall 1952 the American aircraft underwent major repairs and were camouflaged and equipped with squadron codes ZU. The colour s used were according to the regulations STANAG3087: Dark Green, Dark Sea Grey and PRU Blue lower (RNLAF: Donkergroen, KLu 28; Donker Zeegrijs, KLu 29 and Grijsblauw, KLu 27).
This was applied to ZU-6 till ZU-17. The camouflage pattern was prescribed in AP2656A, [RAF regulation from the Second World War for aircraft with wingspan greater than 75 feet]. Above the windows in yellow on left and right NETHERLANDS AIR FORCE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE. From March 1953 this was replaced by: Yellow letters ROYAL AIR FORCE.
From 1954 the ZU-2 till ZU-5 were overhauled and camouflaged in accordance with rules in LSK8063 (RNLAF: Dark green, KLu 28; dark sea grey, KLu 29 and medium sea grey [Donkergroen, KLu 28; Donker Zeegrijs, KLu 29 and zeegrijs, middel]) was used, however PRU blue was used uon the undersides.
In 1955 the ZU-8 and ZU-9 were converted to VIP aircraft. The camouflage paint was removed and the aircraft were completely painted in aluminum dope with serials X-8 and X-9.
Furthermore a white roof was applied and a blue band above the windows with text KONINKLIJKE LUCHTMACHT,and a day glo nose and wing tips.
in 1961 the X-2, X-3 and X10 were sent to Biak in New Guinea and later also the X-4, X-5 and X-11. These Dakotas had soon a white roof applied due to the high temperartures in the cabin.
The text KONINKELIJKE LUCHTMACHT was applied in black lettering above the windows.
| Colour Schemes RNlAF | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheme | Colour name | FS number | BS-number | Humbrol | XtraColor | Vallejo Model Color | Vallejo Model Air | Hataka | |
| Delivery scheme; First X-2 | Bare metal with large serials on fuselage | ||||||||
| Colour scheme applied on X-2 II till X-5; Overall aluminium Dope with a black stripe with text above the cabin windows | |||||||||
| Standard #2 | Overall | Aluminium Dope | ~7178 | 56 / 191 | X216 | 70.864 | 71.062 | ||
| Camouflage pattern conform RAF for aircraft with a wing span larger than 75 ft. | |||||||||
| Standard #5 | Upper surfaces | Dark green | BS:641 | 163 | X001 | 70.892 | 71.324 | ~016 | |
| Dark Sea Grey | BS:638 | 164 | X004 | 70.992? | 71.405 | ~144 | |||
| Undersides | PRU Blue | BS:636 | 124 / 230 | X008 | - | 71.109 | ~206 | ||
| Camouflage pattern conform RAF for aircraft with a wing span smaller than 75 ft. | |||||||||
| Standard #4 | Upper surfaces | Dark green | BS:641 | 163 | X001 | 70.892 | 71.324 | ~016 | |
| Dark Sea Grey | Bs:638 | 164 | X004 | 70.992? | 71.405 | ~144 | |||
| Undersides | PRU Blue | BS:636 | 124 | X008 | - | 71.109 | ~206 | ||
| Scheme applied on so called VIP aircraft such as X-8 and X-9: dark blue stripe above cabine windows | |||||||||
| Standard #2 | Overall | Aluminium Dope | ~7178 | 56 / 191 | X216 | 70.864 | - | ||
| Upper side fuselage | White | ~7875 | 22 | X141 | 70.951 | - | |||
| Day glo | Nose and wing tips; RAL 3026 | 209 | 70.733 | - | |||||
The airforce serial is applied in a dfferent lettertypes (on this drawing this type is shown approximately).
Size and positions of the roundels on the wings is not known (as far as I am concerned).
Colour information RNlNAS
| Colour Schemes RNlNAS | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheme | Colour name | FS number | BS-number | Humbrol | XtraColor | Vallejo Model Color | Vallejo Model Air | Hataka | |
| Standard scheme # 1 and #2 | Bare metal | ||||||||
| Aircraft originating from RNlAF. | |||||||||
| Standard #3 | Upper surfaces | Dark green | BS:641 | 163 | X001 | 70.892 | 71.324 | ~016 | |
| Dark Sea Grey | BS:638 | 156 | X004 | 70.992 | 71.405 | ~144 | |||
| Undersides | PRU Blue | BS:636 | 124 / 230 | X008 | 71.109 | ~206 | |||
Colour information NEIAF
| Colour Scheme NEIAF | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheme | Colour name | FS number | Humbrol | XtraColor | Vallejo Model Color | Vallejo Model Air | Hataka | |
| Standard #1 USAF-scheme | Upper sides | US Olive Drab 41 | ~4088 | 66 | X111/X112/X113 | 70.887 | 71.016 | ~018 |
| US Dark Green 42 (Spots) | ~4092 | 149 | X114 | 70.895 | 71.124 | ~019 | ||
| Lower sides | US Neutral Grey 43 | ~6173 | Mix: 1*156 + 1*34 (176) | X133/X207 | 70.992 | 71.051 | ~033 | |
Literature.
| Zestig jaar Marineluchtvaartdienst in Beeld. | Hugo Hooftman | Pag. 128 - 131 | 1977 | Uitgever: Europese Bibliotheek, Zaltbommel |
| Nederlandse Marineaircraft | Thijs Postma & Nico Geldhof | pag. 52 - 54 | 1978 | Uitgever: Omniboek, 's Gravenhage |
| Dutch Military Aviation 1945-1978 | Paul A. Jackson | Pag. 64 - 65 | 1978 | Uitgever: Midland Countries Publications, Leicester |
| De geschiedenis van de Douglas Dakota | Bart van der Klaauw | 1979 | Uitgevers Wyt, Rotterdam | |
| Militaire Luchtvaart in Nederlandsch-Indië in beeld Deel 2 | Hugo Hooftman | Pag. 143 - 149 | 1981 | Uitgever: Europese Bibliotheek, Zaltbommel |
| AVIA; 40e jaargang number 11: Modelbouw in plastic: Eerste Dakota van de KLM: PH-ALI | Pag. 480 - 482 | 1981 | Uitgevers Wyt, Rotterdam | |
| AVIA; 42e jaargang number 2: Dakota voor museum. Historisch vliegtuig kwam naar Soesterberg | Bart van der Klaauw | Pag. 70 | 1983 | Uitgevers Wyt, Rotterdam |
| Squadrons van de Koninklijke Luchtmacht | Willem Helfferich | Pag. 125 | 1983 | Uitgever: Unieboek b.v., Houten |
| De geschiedenis van squadron 321 Nooit op de tweede plaats | Rijnhout, Bart M. | Pag. 31; 38 - 39 | 1984 | Uitgever: De Bataafsche Leeuw, Amsterdam |
| Luchtvaartwereld; 2e jaargang number 6: Dakota het werkpaard van de Nederlandse Luchtmacht | Harm J. Hazewinkel | Pag. 189 - 192 | 1985 | Uitgeverij Ten Brink, Meppel |
| Luchtvaartwereld; 2e jaargang number 7/8: Nederlandse Militaire Dakota's | Nico Geldhof | Pag. 221 - 224 | 1985 | Uitgeverij Ten Brink, Meppel |
| Modelbouw in Plastic jaargang 13, number 3: DC-3 Info, Dakota's in Nieuw Guinea. | Theo Wesselink | Pag. 64 - 65 | 1985 | Uitgever: I.P.M.S. Nederland, Nederland |
| Modelbouw in Plastic jaargang 14, number 2: C-47 en DC-3 van het ML-KNIL | Max Schep | Pag. 26 - 33 | 1985 | Uitgever: I.P.M.S. Nederland, Nederland |
| Modelbouw in Plastic jaargang 14, number 3: Luchtmacht-Dakota's (deel 3) | Max Schep | Pag. 59 - 65 | 1985 | Uitgever: I.P.M.S. Nederland, Nederland |
| Dakota DC-3/C-47's onder Nederlandse vlag | Theo Wesselink & Thijs Postma | 1985 | Uitgeverij De Alk, Alkmaar | |
| Modelbouw in Plastic jaargang 15, number 1: Reacties van Leden (2) | P.R. Boreel | Pag. 10 | 1986 | Uitgever: I.P.M.S. Nederland, Nederland |
| Modelbouw in Plastic jaargang 15, number 1: Reacties van leden | P. van Wijngaarden | Pag. 10 | 1986 | Uitgever: I.P.M.S. Nederland, Nederland |
| 40 Jaar luchtvaart in Indië | Gerard Casius & Thijs Postma | pag. 3 | 1986 | Uitgeverij De Alk, Alkmaar |
| KLu Vliegtuigen De aircraft van de Koninklijke Luchtmacht vanaf 1913 | Wim Schoenmaker & Thijs Postma | Pag. 125 | 1987 | Uitgeverij De Alk, Alkmaar |
| Van Luchtvaartafdeling tot Koninklijke Luchtmacht 75 jaar Militaire Luchtvaart in Nederland | Koos van de Berg | Pag. 49 | 1987 | Uitgever: Rebo Produkties, Sassenheim |
| 70 Jaar Marine-LuchtvaartDienst | Nico Geldhof | Pag. 115 | 1987 | Uitgeverij Eisma b.v., Leeuwarden |
| Vliegtuigsquadrons 320 en 321 50 jaar | P. Staal & Peter Baeten | pag. 71 | 1990 | Uitgever: Afdeling Maritieme Historie van Min.v.Def., 's Gravenhage |
| Squadrons van de Koninklijke Luchtmacht (derde herzien druk) | Willem Helfferich | Pag. 22 - 24 | 1994 | Uitgevers Wyt, Rotterdam |
| Camouflage en Kentekens | J.Greuter e.a. | 1997 | Bonneville – Bergen (NH) | |
| 85 JAAR Marineluchtvaartdienst in beeld Van Farman tot NH 90 Helikopter | Peter Korbee | Pag. 86 - 87; 132 - 133 | 2002 | Uitgever: Korbee MLD Promotie, Valkenburg |
Websites.
Special thanks to mr. Glenn E. Chatfield who attended me on an error in the inforation on the X-18.
A wrong US fiscal year number 42-92127 and construction number 17193 were noted. The right data are fisc. year no 42-92197 and c/n 11971.
Nederlands (nl-NL) 
English (United Kingdom)