Douglas R4D Skytrain

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 in December 1941, nearly 11,000 C-47s were produced in total and in US Navy service, the C-47 was known as the R4D. As a testament to this type’s versatility, a highly modified version with turboprop engines remains in military service with a handful of Air Forces today.

Douglas R4D-6S ‘Ready-4-Duty’ first entered US Navy service in 1944 transporting wounded servicemen and supplies until 1946 where it was transferred to the east coast test squadron, VX-1 before ending its career training Naval Reserve pilots until 1959. Following a stint deploying firefighters by parachute with the US Forestry Service, the airframe was eventually acquired by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). ‘Ready-4-Duty’ is now based in Lancaster, Texas.

As part of the Navy to Victory tour of the UK and Europe by the CAF, R4D ‘Ready-4-Duty’ will be appearing on static display at RIAT25. This exact aircraft was on static display at the first RAF Fairford Air Tattoo 40 years ago and will be joining us for our celebration of this anniversary.

Photo Credit: Commemorative Air Force