page_title: Douglas C-47 Skytrain
section_title: Variants
hierarchical_section_title: Douglas C-47 Skytrain / Variants
caption_attribution_description: English: Skytrain C-47B serial number 43-49942 that was built in 1944, and belongs to the Highland Lakes Squadron Commemorative Air Force based at Burnet Airport, Burnet, Texas.
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: C-47B Skytrain -serial 43-49942
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