<article><hdr>Airborne shot of a C-47 Skytrain</hdr><body>
<hi style=afpcap>Unquestionably the most successful transport aircraft ever built, the Douglas C-47 Skytrain was the militarised version of the DC-3 Dakota airliner. The C-47 was developed from earlier DC-2, with the prototype 'Dak' making its first flight in December 1935. Production orders were placed between 1941 and 1945 with more than 10,000 being constructed. These served in every theatre throughout World War Two, with many remaining in service afterwards. The type was flown in support of the United Nations forces during the Korean War, and was modified for the attack role and for electronic warfare operations during the Vietnam conflict. Although none remain in flying service with the US Air Force, there are several air arms around the world which still have C-47s in use. </hi>
