Douglas C-53D 'Skytrooper'
Based upon the Douglas DC-3 airliner, the C-53 was one of a series of models produced off the commercial production lines for the Air Force during the early years of the war. Similar on the exterior to the later C-47, but without a reinforced floor or double door for loading cargo, the aircraft was designed to carry paratroops and tow gliders. They would also see service, however, transporting wounded, and carrying cargo.
USAAF S/N 42-68835 is one of 150 C-53Ds built by Douglas Aircraft at Santa Monica, California (DC-3 NR. 11762), and delivered to the USAAF on July 12, 1943. It was assigned to the 72nd Troop Carrier Squadron, 434th Troop Carrier Group, while undergoing training with the 101st Airborne Division before departing for overseas in September, 1943. Upon arrival in England, the Group was assigned to the 9th Troop Carrier Command, 9th Air Force; and the aircraft was assigned to Group Headquarters, but continued to be maintained by the 72nd TCS, and bore the markings of that unit throughout the war. At dawn on D-Day, June 6, 1944, the 434th Group took the first 100 gliders into Normandy with the 101st Airborne. A total of three glider missions were flown over 6-7 June. The Group would participate in the subsequent airborne operations in Holland, at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, and finally in the final airborne operation over the Rhine River.
The markings on the aircraft are based upon a photograph taken over France in January, 1945; and indicate that the aircraft participated in three glider operations up to that time, as well as numerous medical evacuation and cargo missions. After the war the aircraft returned to the U.S. and was leased by American Airlines under Civilian Registration Number N19924. It would later be used by various government agencies before being sold to civilians. It was seized by the Drug Enforcement Agency and offered to the museum program. It was flown to the museum in June, 1987, and restored to military configuration by the museum staff.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Power Plants: Two 1,200 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1830 engines.
Dimensions:
Span: 95 ft 6 in.
Length: 63 ft 9 in.
Height: 17 ft 0 in.
Weight: Empty - 18,200 lbs. - Gross - 26,000.
Performance:
Max. Speed: 230 mph.
Ceiling: 24,000 ft.
Accommodation: 27 Troops, 18-24 litters, one up to two gliders.
