R5D-3 Skymaster

The Douglas R5D‑3 Skymaster was the Navy’s transport version of the famed C‑54 Skymaster, entering service in 1944 during World War II. Adapted from the Army Air Forces’ four‑engine, low‑wing design, the R5D‑3 featured a reinforced fuselage, larger cargo doors, and a strengthened landing gear to accommodate naval operations and heavier payloads. Powered by four Pratt & Whitney R‑2000 radial engines delivering 1,450 hp each, the aircraft could cruise at 250 mph, range 3,900 km, and lift up to 28,000 lb of troops, equipment or supplies. Its spacious cabin allowed rapid conversion between passenger, cargo, and medical evacuation configurations, making it a versatile workhorse for the Pacific theater, post‑war repatriation flights, and the early Cold‑War airlift network. The R5D‑3’s reliability and long‑range capability helped establish the United States Navy’s strategic air transport doctrine, influencing subsequent designs such as the R6V and the modern C‑130 series. Though eventually replaced by turboprop transports, the R5D‑3 Skymaster remains a milestone that demonstrated how a proven bomber platform could be transformed into a durable, high‑capacity logistical asset, shaping military airlift strategy for decades. Today a few restored examples can be seen at aviation museums, reminding enthusiasts of its enduring legacy.