Manufacturer:
DOUGLASMarkings:
Current Markings: H & MS-27 (Marine Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron), Cherry Point, NC, 1968Designation:
C-117DSerial Number:
50826DOUGLAS C-117D SUPER GOONEYBIRD
The C-117 was based on the reliable and proven DC-3/C-47 and was originally intended for the civilian airline market. The "Super DC-3" featured a longer fuselage, redesigned tail and wings, and fully enclosed the landing gear when retracted. In 1951 the Navy evaluated the Super DC-3 and liked the increased performance and accepted the aircraft as the R4D-8. Rather than purchase new aircraft a total of 98 earlier R4Ds were converted to R4D-8 standards. In 1962, the R4D-8 was re-designated under the joint Air Force-Navy designation system as the C-117D. Super Gooneybirds continued in U.S. Navy service into the mid-1970s.
Specifications
- Wingspan: 90 ft
- Length: 67 ft 9 in
- Height: 18 ft 3 in
- Weight: 31,000 lbs (loaded)
- Max. Speed: 270 mph
- Service Ceiling: 22,500 ft
- Range: 2,500 miles
- Engines: 2 Wright R-1820-80, 1,475 horsepower each
- Crew: 3, 35 passengers