R4D 3-R-176
The Douglas DC-3 variants, known in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps as the R4D series, were a vital part of military aviation during and after World War II. These aircraft, though fewer in number compared to their usage in the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF), were celebrated for their dependability and versatility.
Overview of the R4D Variants:
- Initial Introduction and Service:
- The Navy first procured the DC-3 variants in 1941. These aircraft served not just during World War II but remained operational in various roles for three decades.
- The R4D series was predominantly acquired through Army contracts, with 568 units delivered to the Navy during the war.
- Despite being fewer in number, the aircraft’s adaptability led to its use in numerous specialized roles, from cargo transport to VIP transportation, radar countermeasures, and even operations in extreme conditions like Antarctica.
- Main Variants and Their Roles:
- R4D-1: Equivalent to the USAAF’s C-47 Skytrain, this version was primarily a cargo transport, with 100 units acquired, plus one from the RAF via reverse Lend-Lease.
- R4D-2: Based on ex-airline DC-3s, this version was later adapted for VIP use, and only two were procured.
- R4D-3: These were diverted C-53 aircraft, intended as troop transports. 20 units were delivered.
- R4D-4: Comprising requisitioned Pan American Airways (PAA) DC-3As, 10 units were delivered for transport duties.
- R4D-5: The most widely used version, 238 units were delivered. This variant matched the C-47A Skytrain and was used extensively by the Naval Air Transport Service (NATS).
- R4D-6: Based on the C-47B, 148 units were acquired, featuring improved engines for better performance.
- R4D-7: Equivalent to the TC-47B navigation trainer, 43 units were procured.
- Specialized Variants:
- Radar Countermeasures: R4D-4Q, R4D-5Q, R4D-6Q.
- Electronic Equipment: R4D-5E, R4D-6E.
- Air-Sea Warfare Training: R4D-5S, R4D-6S.
- Navigation Training: R4D-5T, R4D-6T.
- Winter Operations: R4D-5L, R4D-6L (often equipped with skis).
- VIP Transport: R4D-5Z, R4D-6Z, and the earlier R4D-2Z.
- Passenger and Cargo Transport: R4D-5R, R4D-6R.
- Redesignation in 1962:
- With the unified aircraft designation system introduced in 1962, many R4D variants received new designations:
- C-47H for R4D-5.
- C-47J for R4D-6.
- TC-47K for R4D-7.
- Other designations included EC-47H, LC-47H, VC-47H, EC-47J, LC-47J, SC-47J, and YC-47J.
- Super DC-3 and Later Developments:
- In 1951, the Navy evaluated the Super DC-3, a modernized version of the DC-3. This version featured numerous enhancements, including a lengthened fuselage, upgraded engines, and enclosed landing gear.
- The Super DC-3 was redesignated as R4D-8, with 98 earlier R4D models being upgraded to this standard. The R4D-8s served in Korea and Antarctica, with some continuing to serve into the mid-1970s.
- In 1962, these were redesignated as C-117D, LC-117D, YC-117D, and TC-117D.
- Serial Numbers:
- The various R4D models were assigned distinct serial number blocks, reflecting their procurement and assignment within the Navy’s inventory.
The Douglas R4D series was a cornerstone of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviation logistics during and after World War II. Its versatility, reliability, and adaptability across various roles, from cargo transport to electronic warfare, cemented its place as a legendary aircraft in military aviation history. The R4D’s legacy is further solidified by its continued use into the 1970s, long after many of its contemporaries had been retired.