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.

 

Technical information
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; RNlNASNEIAF 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.

N83 01 46

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; RNLNASNEIAF 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
IMG 2892

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.

 

IMG 8659

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.

IMG 8658

 

IMG 2508

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.

IMG 2510

 

IMG 2493

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.

IMG 2494

 

Douglas RD4 1 Dakota AKleijn
A model of a Dakota of the RNlNAS, built by Adri Klejn.

 

Douglas C 47B Dakota AKleijn
A model of Dutch Air Force, built by Adri Klejn.

 

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

 

SchemeColour nameFS-numberBS-numberHumbrolXtraColorVallejo Model ColorVallejo Model AirHataka
Colour schemes RAF and BOAC aircraft
Standard #1 DC-3 BOACUpper 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.

Douglas DC3 Wright-RAF-SMALL
Douglas DC-3 'Buizerd': This aircraft is a former (pre war) KLM aircraft.
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!
Douglas C47-RAF-1-SMALL
Douglas Dakota NL208: this aircraft was in service with 1316 Dutch Communications Flight.

 

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
SchemeColour nameFS numberBS-numberHumbrolXtraColorVallejo Model ColorVallejo Model AirHataka
Delivery scheme; First X-2Bare 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 #2Overall 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 #5Upper 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 #4Upper 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 #2Overall 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 -  

 

Douglas C47-KLU-1-SMALL
Douglas Dakota X-2: the aircraft shown is the first X-2, which was hired from KLM. The civil serial PH-TBV is applied under the Dutch flag on the vertical tail.
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).
Douglas C47-KLU-2-SMALL
Douglas Dakota X-1:
Douglas C47-KLU-3A-SMALL
Douglas Dakota P.M..
Douglas C47-KLU-3B-SMALL
Douglas Dakota P.M.
Douglas C47-KLU-3C-SMALL
Douglas Dakota P.M.
Douglas C47-KLU-4A-SMALL
Douglas Dakota P.M.
Douglas C47-KLU-4B-SMALL
Douglas Dakota P.M.
Douglas C47-KLU-5-SMALL
Douglas Dakota P.M.
Douglas C47-KLU-5A-SMALL
Douglas Dakota P.M.
Douglas C47-KLU-5B-SMALL
Douglas DC-3 Dakota X-18 and X-19: no cargo door, but ordinary passengers door. This is not shown (yet) on this drawing.

 

Colour information RNlNAS

Colour Schemes RNlNAS
SchemeColour nameFS numberBS-numberHumbrolXtraColorVallejo Model ColorVallejo Model AirHataka
Standard scheme # 1 and #2Bare metal                
Aircraft originating from RNlAF.
Standard #3Upper 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

 

Douglas C47-MLD-1-SMALL
Douglas Dakota P.M.
Douglas C47-MLd-1B-SMALL
Douglas Dakota P.M.
Douglas C47-MLD-3A-SMALL
Douglas Dakota P.M..
Douglas C47-KLU-2-SMALL
Douglas Dakota P.M.:
Douglas C47-MLD-3B-SMALL
Douglas Dakota P.M..

 

Colour information NEIAF

Colour Scheme NEIAF
SchemeColour nameFS numberHumbrolXtraColorVallejo Model ColorVallejo Model AirHataka
Standard #1 USAF-schemeUpper 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

 

Douglas C47-ML-KNIL-1-SMALL
Douglas Dakota: First scheme NEIAF. Many aircraft had a nickname applied on the nose.
Douglas C47-ML-KNIL-1B-SMALL
Douglas Dakota: As first colour scheme, but completely stripped (also partly stripped aircraft were used).
Douglas C47-ML-KNIL-2A-SMALL
Douglas Dakota: P.M.
Douglas C47-ML-KNIL-2C-SMALL
Douglas Dakota: P.M.
Douglas C47-ML-KNIL-2A-SMALL
Douglas Dakota: P.M.
Douglas C47-ML-KNIL-2C-SMALL
Douglas Dakota: P.M.

 

Douglas C47-ML-KNIL-2A-SMALL
Douglas Dakota: P.M.
Douglas C47-ML-KNIL-2C-SMALL
Douglas Dakota: P.M.
Douglas C47-ML-KNIL-2A-SMALL
Douglas Dakota: P.M.
Douglas C47-ML-KNIL-2C-SMALL
Douglas Dakota: P.M.
Douglas C47 ML KNIL 4A SMALL
Douglas Dakota: completely stripped
Douglas C47-ML-KNIL-2C-SMALL
Douglas Dakota: P.M.
Douglas C47-ML-KNIL-2A-SMALL
Douglas DC-3 of no 19 squadron NEIAF.

 


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.