Warbird Information Exchange

What are the differences between the C-47 and the C-53? I know the C-53 was supposed to be a dedicated troop carrier. I also read that these were originally slated to be civilian DC-3s and were taken over by the military. Did the C-53 have the Wright Cyclones as well?

The Douglas C-53 Skytrooper was a dedicated troop transporter developed from the DC-3 airliner. It was thus very similar to the C-47 Skytrain, but without the reinforced cargo floor, large cargo door and hoist attachment of that dual purpose aircraft. As a result the C-53 was much less flexible in operation than the C-47, and only 380 were built.

More info at:

http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/we ... ooper.html

_________________
Bob

Didn't both the C-53 and the C-47B have the single door, no cargo door as well as the unreinforced floor?

C-47B had cargo doors...