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The DC-3, pioneer of air transport
The Douglas DC-3, known by its military designation C-47 Skytrain, is one of the most emblematic aircraft of the 20th century. First flown in December 1935, this twin-engine aircraft revolutionised air transport through its reliability, robustness and comfort. Transformed for the needs of the war, the C-47 became a key player in the Second World War: a hero of the Normandy Landings, it dropped the American paratroopers of the 101st and 82nd Airborne on the night of 5 to 6 June 1944. It was also involved on all fronts, from the Pacific to Russia, where it transported the French pilots of the Normandie-Niemen.
A legendary machine with a worldwide heritage
More than 13,000 of them were produced, and the DC-3 wrote the first pages of modern air transport. Used by airlines all over the world for more than 30 years, it is often considered to be the precursor of today’s single-aisle commercial aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Its role in the Liberation made it a veritable icon, on a par with the Jeep. Nicknamed ‘Dakota’ in the Royal Air Force, its silhouette remains today a symbol of freedom and history.
A French renaissance signed ‘Un Dakota sur la Normandie’ (A Dakota over Normandy)
F-AZOX, presented by the association Un Dakota sur la Normandie, was built in May 1945 and was even used by the British royal family. Fitted out in VIP configuration, it exudes a unique nostalgic atmosphere. After more than eight years at Dinard, she took to the skies again on 31 October 2009. Extensive restoration work was carried out during the winter of 2009-2010, including the complete dismantling of the wings and treatment of the corrosion. This titanic work enabled the Douglas DC-3, registered F-AZOX, to take to the skies again in spring 2010. It now has more than 24,000 flying hours on the clock, and continues to make history at major air events.
Technical specifications
Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft Company
Powerplant: 2 Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 Twin Wasp engines
Power: 2 × 1,200 hp
Length: 19.66 m
Wingspan: 29.00 m
Height: 5.16 m
Operator: Dakota sur la Normandie Pilot: Alain Battisti - Axel Valat Manufacturing date: 1945 Serial number: s/n 16604 - USAAF Serial n°: 44-77020