The USAF is STILL flying the C-47???

[BattleRabbit]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:6th_S ... rcraft.jpg



I am not making this up, this amazes me that we still have something in operational use from the 1930s. Until just now I thought that the Aerospacelines Super Guppy(being of course C-97/B-29 in origin) that NASA uses was the oldest active service aircraft between the USAF, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and NASA.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Specia ... tions_Wing

[Ztex]

I think these guys are having all kinds of fun in all kinds of places...

Basler BT-67 = Turbine C-47!

http://www2.hurlburt.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3496

http://www2.afsoc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123025005


From J. Baugher's site
48859 (c/n 14675/26120). To French AF as F-RBNX before going to
South Vietnamese AF. To AMARC Aug 1968. To Vintate Aviation, Marion, TX
Sep 1992 as N40386. Converted to Basler BT-67 N40386 in 2000, firebomber
version with ventral tank. Basler conversion no 35A. Acquired by USAF
6th SOS at Hurlburt Field in 2004 as C-47T



It looks like the state department is using one in Afghanistan as well!
http://www.baslerturbo.com/bt_67_worldwide.html

How's the saying go? When the last C-130 goes to the bone yard the crew will fly home in a C-47?!

[jet1]

the turbines make a big difference as its a c-47t....

[The Inspector]

Basler also stretched the forward fuselage about 40 inches, the airframes are now time limited due to the extra stresses imposed by the new, bigger engines. So whats the story with the MIL 16 and the Antonov 26? Who's operating these aircraft? Is this part of the Ft. Polk dissimular training program?
I really like that Huey in the left front with the 76 Chevy 4X4 pickup driveway rattle can camo job and the subtle stripes. (that'll make it harder to see)

[mustangdriver]

The CIA uses them overseas. It draws less attention than a Blackhawk is what was told to me.

[John Dupre]

I think with the Basler conversion there are two fuselage plugs, one forward of the wing and one aft. They also modify the cargo door so that a standard LD-3 container can be loaded. The turbine's exhaust is designed to exit out the top of a redesigned nacelle to lower the heat signature. They also make parts of the wings wet wings for fuel.

There is another conversion of the C-47 that along with the fuselage stretch leaves the nacelle pretty much alone.

[Nathan]

turbines on a C-47?

[Holedigger]

Turbines? Well, they do extend their life and keep them from the beer can makers! I'd rather see them fly with turbines than drink a beer out of one! OK, I'd rather drink a beer AND watch one fly, but that's besides the point!

[CAPFlyer]

Basler also stretched the forward fuselage about 40 inches, the airframes are now time limited due to the extra stresses imposed by the new, bigger engines. So whats the story with the MIL 16 and the Antonov 26? Who's operating these aircraft? Is this part of the Ft. Polk dissimular training program?
I really like that Huey in the left front with the 76 Chevy 4X4 pickup driveway rattle can camo job and the subtle stripes. (that'll make it harder to see)

The 6SOG does "aggressor" tactics among other things.

BTW, that's an Mi-17, not an Mi-16. Although, it may be an Mi-8 depending on where it was "acquired" from.

[John Kerr]

Here are a few photos from my collection of the aircraft in the family picture. A few notes: The C-47T hasn't been seen around here for about a year. The AN-26 replaced the AN-32B previous assigned. Most if not all aircraft on on lease and carry civil N numbers.
1. C-47T N40836 (Kerr Collection)

2. AN-26 N5057E (Kerr Collection)

3. AN-32B N6505 Photo John Kerr

4. MIL-8MTB-1 N2505N Photo John Kerr

5. MI-24D N114VS Photo John Kerr

6. AN-2 N50470 Photo John Kerr

7. MIL-8TB-1 N2505 (Pre white paint) Photo John Kerr

[RickH]

Inspector said :

the airframes are now time limited due to the extra stresses imposed by the new, bigger engines

Can you explain, please ?

1820 and 1830 put out about 1200 hp

From the Basler website:

Engine Operating Limits:
Take off (5 min) 1424 shaft H.P. to 99°F (37.2°C)
Take off (5 min) (ALT.) 1281 shaft H.P. to 91°F (32.8°C)
Max continuous 1220 shaft H.P. to 119°F (48.3°C)
Propeller speed - 1700 rpm at take off, 1200-1700 rpm at cruise
Dry weight - 515 pounds

Except for the weight of the engines, the differences seem negligible.

[Shay]

I like how they display their Heritage. Ala the 23rd FG's Sharkteeth



Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

[RickH]

Shay that looks more the Air Commando markings.

Don't see how 23rds Sharkmouth is tied in. And I don'see any in the picture !

[John Dupre]

Inspector said :

the airframes are now time limited due to the extra stresses imposed by the new, bigger engines

Can you explain, please ?

It might depend on how Basler certificated the aircraft. I believe when they leave the facility they are called a BT-67. If Basler certificated the aircraft as a new build they would have to meet the FAR 23 regulations which mandate a time limit on wing spars and other components. If it is a conversion using the original certification, CAR 3, there wasn't a life limit then.

[John Dupre]

turbines on a C-47?

There have been numerous attempts to put turbine engines on C-47s. Jack Conroy of the Guppy fame, made a couple of attempts with the Pratt and Whitney Canada PT-6 engine including one tri motor version. I have seen in CT another attempt that used Rolls Royce turbprops. That was originally a CA project. Basler has had the most success and the key was the fuselage plug(s) which shift the center of gravity so that the PT-6s do not have to have absurdly long engine mounts.