How DC-3 Changed The World

Since the first flight in 1903 by the Wright Brothers, the aviation industry has consistently been advancing. Whether it was for commercial, private, or military use the main goal has been to produce the most technological advanced, fuel efficient, and fastest aircraft possible. The Douglas DC-3 is widely known as the plane that changed the world, and this aircraft has always stood out among others. The DC-3, first flown in 1935, was a low-wing twin-engine monoplane that was the world’s first successful commercial airliner, readily adaptable for military use. Over 64 feet long, with a wingspan of 95 feet, the aircraft could seat up to 28 passengers and could carry over 6,000 pounds of cargo. The aircraft is a representative of commercial industry and made a substantial contribution to military evolution during World War II. The Douglas DC-3, which made air travel popular and more importantly, profitable, in the 1930’s and 1940’s along with the lasting effects it had on World War II makes it one of the most historically significant aircrafts ever produced. The design work began in 1934 …show more content…
Painted Green with white and yellow stripes and equipped with military modifications the civilian DC-3 was converted into the C-47 Skytrain. The C-47 was fitted with a bigger engine, a large cargo door for military utility, a strengthened floor and an astrodome in the cabin roof. With these adjustments the civilian DC-3 quickly was ready for military operation. In World War II the C-47 was a decisive instrument of war for the allied forces. The aircraft changed the ability of armies to quickly transport troops, weapons, vehicles, and supplies to areas more effectively than ever before. The aircrafts military seating could transport 28 troops, but often in heightened military operations the C-47 had the capability hold more than twice the load than