C-53D Skytrooper

The Douglas C‑53D Skytrooper was a troop‑carrier variant of the celebrated C‑47 Skytrain, itself a militarized version of the civilian DC‑3. First delivered in 1942, the C‑53 series was built specifically for the United States Army Air Forces to transport paratroopers and infantry squads. Unlike the C‑47, the Skytrooper omitted the cargo door and reinforced floor, favoring a lighter airframe that accommodated up to 28 fully equipped soldiers or a similar payload of equipment. The D model incorporated a 1,200‑hp Pratt & Whitney R‑1830‑88 radial engine, upgraded avionics, and a strengthened aft fuselage to endure the stresses of repeated airdrop operations. Over 2,000 C‑53s were produced, serving in the European and Pacific theatres during World War II, notably in the airborne assaults on Normandy, Sicily and the Philippines. After the war the type proved adaptable for civilian cargo, humanitarian relief, and training roles, helping to establish the DC‑3 family as the most versatile transport aircraft in history. The C‑53D Skytrooper’s blend of reliability, simplicity, and capacity cemented its legacy as a cornerstone of modern air‑mobility doctrine. Today, restored examples can be found in several aviation museums, where they continue to inspire new generations of pilots and engineers.