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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.
Douglas DC- Legacy: B-18, B-23, C-47, C-54D, DC-7, C-117D, VC-118, C-9B/DC-9
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| Wingspan |
90 ft |
| Length |
67 ft 9 in |
| Height |
18 ft 3 in |
| Weight |
31,000 lbs (loaded) |
| Maximum 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 |
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