Douglas R2D-1

The Douglas R2D-1 was the United States Navy’s designation for the civilian DC‑3 transport that was adapted for military service during World II. First delivered to the fleet in early 1942, the R2D‑1 entered service as a reliable, twin‑engine, all‑metal monoplane capable of carrying up to 28 troops, cargo, or medical patients. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R‑1830 Twin Wasp radials delivering 1,200 horsepower each, the aircraft offered a cruising speed of 180 mph, a range of roughly 1,500 mi and a service ceiling of 23,000 ft. Its rugged fixed landing gear, large cargo doors, and straightforward maintenance made it ideal for operations from aircraft carriers, forward airfields, and austere islands. Throughout the war the R2D‑1 filled roles as a troop carrier, supply shuttle, and air‑ambulance, supporting campaigns in the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. After 1945 many airframes were transferred to the U.S. Army Air Forces as C‑47s, while a number remained with the Navy for logistics and training until the early 1950s. The R2D‑1’s versatility and dependable performance helped cement the DC‑3 family’s reputation as one of the most influential transport aircraft in aviation history.

Douglas

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