Great Planes

The Douglas DC-3 appeared in 1936 and was the most modern airliner of its time. When the war broke out, it was quickly requisitioned and took the name of C-47 Skytrain, but it was the English who gave it its legendary nickname, the Dakota. More than 10,000 copies were manufactured to meet the logistical needs of the U.S. Army and its allies. Used for the transport of equipment and troops, the Dakota saw action in all theaters of operation, most notably the Normandy landings. After the war, many C-47s were demobilized and helped revive post-war commercial aviation. There are still many Dakotas flying, almost a century after its first flight.