R5D-2 Skymaster

The Douglas R5D-2 Skymaster was the United States Navy’s designation for the military transport version of the Douglas DC‑3, entering service in 1942. Developed from the civilian DC‑3’s proven airframe, the R5D-2 featured reinforced flooring, a larger cargo door, and provisions for paratrooper deployment, allowing the aircraft to transport troops, equipment, and supplies across the Pacific theater during World War II. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R‑1830 Twin Wasp radial engines delivering 1,200 horsepower each, the Skymaster could cruise at 180 mph and carry up to 6,000 pounds of cargo or 28 fully equipped soldiers. Its rugged design, simple maintenance requirements, and excellent short‑field performance made it a versatile workhorse for the Navy, Marine Corps, and later the U.S. Air Force, where it was redesignated C‑48. Post‑war, the R5D-2 entered civilian service under the name “Dakota,” influencing commercial aviation by proving the viability of twin‑engine transports for cargo and passenger routes. The aircraft’s reliability and adaptability cemented its legacy as a cornerstone of mid‑century military logistics and as a prototype for future transport designs. Today, surviving examples are displayed in museums worldwide, serving as tangible reminders of the Skymaster’s pivotal role in shaping modern airlift capability.