Douglas R4D-8T Skytrain

The Douglas R4D‑8T Skytrain, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps designation for the military version of the Douglas DC‑3, entered service in the early 1950s as an upgraded, turbine‑powered transport. Built by Douglas Aircraft Company, the R4D‑8T was fitted with two Pratt & Whitney R‑2800 piston engines that were later replaced in many airframes by more reliable radial or turboprop powerplants, extending range to roughly 1,500 nautical miles and increasing cruising speed to 210 kt. Its rugged airframe, high‑wing configuration, and large cargo door made it ideal for moving troops, equipment, and supplies across the Pacific theater, and it proved indispensable during the Korean War, the Vietnam conflict, and numerous humanitarian missions. The aircraft’s versatile interior could be reconfigured for passenger seating, medevac stretchers, or cargo pallets, while its sturdy landing gear allowed operations from unprepared strips and sea‑level islands. The R4D‑8T’s legacy lies in its role as a workhorse that bridged the propeller‑driven era to the jet age, influencing later transport designs such as the C‑47 and C‑130. Its longevity and adaptability cemented the Skytrain’s place as a cornerstone of mid‑20th‑century military aviation.

Douglas

Douglas R4D-8T Skytrain

Classification

Design & Classification