page_title: Douglas C-47 Skytrain
section_title: Variants
hierarchical_section_title: Douglas C-47 Skytrain / Variants
caption_attribution_description: English: A U.S. Navy Douglas R4D-8 Skytrain (BuNo 50772, after 1962 C-117D) from transport squadron VR-24 in flight. VR-24 operated a detachment at RAF Hendon (Fleet Aircraft Service Squadron 200) until 1956, when it moved to RAF Blackbushe, and then to RAF West Malling in 1960. This aircraft was at Blackbushe until June 1957.[1]
context_page_description: The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front-line service with various military operators for many years.
context_section_description: C-47
  Initial military version of the DC-3 with four crew (Pilot, Co-Pilot, Navigator, and Radio Operator) and seats for 27 troops alongside the fuselage interior. "Aerial Ambulances" fitted for casualty evacuation could carry 18 stretcher cases and a medical crew of three. 965 built (including 12 for the United States Navy as R4D-1).
  C-47A
  C-47 with a 24-volt electrical system, 5,254 built including USN aircraft designated R4D-5
  RC-47A
  C-47A equipped for photographic reconnaissance and ELINT missions
  SC-47A
  C-47A equipped for Search Air Rescue; redesignated HC-47A in 1962
  VC-47A
  C-47A equipped for VIP transport role
  C-47B
  Powered by R-1830-90 engines with two-speed superchargers (better altitude performance) to cover the China-Burma-India routes, 3,364 built
  VC-47B
  C-47B equipped for VIP transport role
  XC-47C
  C-47 tested with Edo Model 78 floats for possible use as a seaplane 
  C-47D
  C-47B with second speed (high blower) engine supercharger disabled or removed after the war
  AC-47D Spooky
  Gunship aircraft with three side-firing .30 in (7.62 mm) Minigun machine guns
  EC-47D
  C-47D with equipment for the Electronics Calibration, of which 26 were so converted by Hayes in 1953; prior to 1962 was designated AC-47D
  NC-47D
  C-47D modified for test roles
  RC-47D
  C-47D equipped for photographic reconnaissance and ELINT missions
  SC-47D
  C-47D equipped for Search Air Rescue; redesignated HC-47D in 1962
  VC-47D
  C-47D equipped for VIP transport role
  C-47E
  Modified cargo variant with space for 27–28 passengers or 18–24 litters
  C-47F
  YC-129 redesignated, Super DC-3 prototype for evaluation by USAF later passed to USN as XR4D-8
  C-47L/M
  C-47H/Js equipped for the support of American Legation United States Naval Attache (ALUSNA) and Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) missions
  EC-47N/P/Q
  C-47A and D aircraft modified for ELINT/ARDF mission, N and P differ in radio bands covered, while Q replaces analog equipment found on the N and P with a digital suite, redesigned antenna equipment and uprated engines
  C-47R
  One C-47M modified for high altitude work, specifically for missions in Ecuador
  C-53 Skytrooper
  Troop transport version of the C-47 that lacked the reinforced cargo floor, large cargo door, and hoist attachment of the C-47 Skytrain. It was dedicated for the troop transport role and could carry 28 passengers in fixed metal seats arranged in rows in the former cargo space; 221 built.
  XC-53A Skytrooper
  One testbed aircraft modified in March 1942 with full-span slotted flaps and hot-air leading edge de-icing. Converted to C-53 standard in 1949 and sold as surplus.
  C-53B Skytrooper
  Winterised and long-range Arctic version of the C-53 with extra fuel tanks in the fuselage and separate navigator's astrodome station for celestial navigation; eight built.
  C-53C Skytrooper
  C-53 with larger port-side access door; 17 built.
  C-53D Skytrooper
  C-53C with 24V DC electrical system and its 28 seats attached to the sides of the fuselage; 159 built.
  C-117A Skytrooper
  C-47B with 24-seat airline-type interior for staff transport use, 16 built.
  VC-117A
  Three redesignated C-117s used in the VIP role
  SC-117A
  One C-117C converted for air-sea rescue
  C-117B/VC-117B
  High-altitude superchargers removed, one built and conversions from C-117As all later VC-117B
  C-117D
  USN/USMC R4D-8 redesignated C-117D in 1962.
  LC-117D
  USN/USMC R4D-8L redesignated LC-117D in 1962.
  TC-117D
  USN/USMC R4D-8T redesignated TC-117D in 1962.
  VC-117D
  USN R4D-8Z redesignated VC-117D in 1962.
  YC-129
  Super DC-3 prototype for evaluation by USAF redesignated C-47F and later passed to USN as XR4D-8. Wright R-1820 engines uprated to 1425 hp.
  CC-129
  Canadian Forces designation for the C-47 (post-1970)
  XCG-17
  One C-47 tested as a 40-seat troop glider with engines removed and faired over
  R4D-1 Skytrain
  USN/USMC version of the C-47
  R4D-3
  Twenty C-53Cs transferred to USN
  R4D-5
  C-47A variant 24-volt electrical system replacing the 12-volt of the C-47; redesignated C-47H in 1962, 238 transferred from USAF
  R4D-5L
  R4D-5 for use in Antarctica. Redesignated LC-47H in 1962. Photos of this type show the removal of
caption: United States Navy R4D-8
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