Hurlburt Field in Okaloosa County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
C-47 Sky Train
Photographed By Mark Hilton, November 17, 2016
1. C-47 Skytrain Marker
Of all the airplanes ever built, the C-47 has far surpassed the others in faithful service, dependability and achievement.
Affectionately known as the "Gooney Bird" she was used extensively in World War II, the Berlin Airlift, Korea and Southeast Asia.
This grand old lady has been shot up, shot down, bent almost beyond recognition, but never obliterated.
Born in the days of wooden propellers, she is still flying.
Erected 1973 by the Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park Council.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Korean • War, Vietnam • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is June 9, 1973.
Location. 30° 24.869′ N, 86° 42.013′ W. Marker is in Hurlburt Field, Florida, in Okaloosa County. Marker can be reached from Oneal Avenue. Located at the Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park and access to the base is restricted. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 315 Independence Road, Hurlburt Field FL 32544, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Airman First Class John Lee Levitow (here, next to this marker); Spooky
this page online
Regarding C-47 Sky Train. C-47 Skytrain 43-15510 history:
Manufactured in Long Beach CA and delivered to the USAAF on 23 Oct 1943, this “Gooney Bird” operated in England in 1943 and participated in Operation OVERLORD and sub Operation NEPTUNE (The D-Day invasion) on 6 Jun 1944. When WWII concluded the aircraft was assigned to Army of Occupation service with the 61st, 12th and 60th and the 7290th Troop Carrier Groups. This C-47 participated in the Berlin Airlift. Given to Turkey as military aid in 1949 the C-47 performed its cargo role until return to the United States in 1970. Modified and dedicated as an AC-47D
Photographed By Mark Hilton, November 17, 2016
2. C-47 Sky Train
The C-47 differed from the civilian DC-3 in numerous modifications, including being fitted with a cargo door, hoist attachment, and strengthened floor, along with a shortened tail cone for glider-towing shackles, and an astrodome in the cabin roof.
Aircraft specifications:
General characteristics
Crew: three (pilot, co-pilot, loadmaster/navigator)
Capacity: 28 troops
Payload: 6,000 lb (2,700 kg)
Length: 64 ft 5 in (19.65 m)
Wingspan: 95 ft 0 in (28.95 m)
Height: 16 ft 1 in (4.91 m)
Wing area: 987 ft2 (91.70 m2)
Airfoil: NACA2215 / NACA2206
Empty weight: 16,940 lbs (7,700 kg)
Loaded weight: 28,930 lbs (13,50 kg)
Max. takeoff weight: 31,000 lb (14,061 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney R-1830-90C Twin Wasp 14-cylinder radial engines, 1,200 hp (895 kW) each
Performance
Maximum speed: 230 mph (195 kn, 370 km/h) at 10,000 ft (3,050 m)
Cruise speed: 160 mph (139 kn, 257 km/h)
Range: 1,348.5 mi (1,391 nmi, 2,170 km)
Ferry range: 3,600 mi (3,130 nmi, 5,795 km)
Service ceiling: 24,097 ft (7,345 m)
Climb to 10,000 ft (3,050 m): 9.5 min
Armament=none or 3 miniguns
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Mark Hilton, November 17, 2016
3. C-47 Sky Train
Photographed By Mark Hilton
4. C-47 Sky Train used in Special Ops as "Spooky - Puff the Magic Dragon"
Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 344 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 19, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
