DOUGLAS C-47 DAKOTA A NEW DONATION TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY

摘要

There is no review or study of military or civil aviation around the world that fails to recognize the existence of the Dakota. It is a personal tribute to the Douglas C-47/DC3 that, during its golden anniversary celebrations in 1985, an above average proportion of all the aircraft built remained in service. This goes to prove that, despite many attempts by aircraft companies since the Second World War to build one, no successful replacement for the aircraft, with the possible exception of the Lockheed C-130, has been developed. In South Africa, the Dak's long and varied service made it one of the more recognized and loved piston-engine aircraft. Many are still flown by private operators and by both the South African Air Force and South African Airways museums. It is expected that, once it has been restored to its former glory, No 6850, now at the South African National Museum of Military History, will become a firm favourite with visitors.