C-47 Texas Zephyr

C-47 "Texas Zephyr"

Few aircraft are as well known or have been so widely used as the C-47 Skytrain or "Gooney Bird", as it is affectionately known. The C-47 was adapted from the DC-3 commercial airliner which appeared in 1936.

The first C-47s were ordered in 1940 and by the end of WWII, 10,654, including civilian versions, had been built in the USA. They appeared in every theater of conflict in Worls War II carrying personnel and cargo. In the Combat role they towed troop-carrying gliders and dropped paratroops into enemy territory. In mid-1944 Douglas was producing C-47s at the rate of one every 34 minutes. The C-47 was acclaimed by General Eisenhower as one of the four weapons that won World War II.

The C-47/DC-3 was the only aircraft to serve with all major Allied combatants in World War II. In England became known as the “Dakota”.  Prior to World War II the design was licensed to Japan (485 built), where it was identified as the Nakajima or Showa L2D "Tabby" to Allied Intelligence.  The USSR built approximately 2930 where it was identified as the Lisunov Li-2 ("Cab" to NATO). Some were still in service with the Russian Air Force as late as the mid-1990s. Germany also employed the DC-3 as airliners, particularly from KLM.

After World War II many C-47s remained in USAF service, participating in the Berlin Airlift and other peacetime activities. During the Korean War C-47s hauled supplies, dropped paratroops, evacuated wounded and dropped flares for night bombing attacks. In Vietnam the C-47 served again as a transport, but it was also used in a variety of other ways. Designated the AC-47D “Spooky” it served with great effectiveness in flying ground attack (gunship) missions. Others were used for special reconnaissance and psychological warfare missions with the designations EC-47N/P/Q. The last C-47 was retired from the USAF in 1975. It has been stated facetiously (perhaps) that when the last jet transport is ferried to the boneyard, it will be a DC-3 that goes out to pick up the crew. It is a fitting tribute to the longevity, stability, and durability of the Douglas design.

Our "Texas Zephyr" at Highland Lakes Squadron

The C-47 "Texas Zephyr" on display in our hangar is owned by the Commemorative Air Force. It was built in Oklahoma City in late 1945 as a C-47B and assigned serial number 44-77109; then flown to Montreal, Canada where it was transferred to Great Britain under the Lend-Lease program.  The aircraft was ferried to England where it served with the RAF. In 1945 it was assigned to the No. 435 Transport Squadron, a Canadian unit, and numbered as KP224. It was ferried to Canada in 1946. The aircraft received the Canadian Forces serial 12905 in 1970.  It was later surplussed and entered civilian service in 1974. From 1974 until 1995, the aircraft was owned by a number of Canadian airline and charter companies, after which it was repatriated to the USA.

The Highland Lakes Squadron was "gifted" this aircraft from Mr. Karl Ritter in December of 2019 and donated to the CAF in January of 2020. While legally airworthy she is still in need of a lot of tender loving care. Both engines required overhaul and restoration, and corrosion remains an issue. Named the “Texas Zephyr” (Greek God of the west wind) by Mr. Ritter, and is flown by experienced crews that treats air show crowds to the roar of her two mighty Pratt and Whitney radial engines. 

The Highland Lakes Squadron has untaken the task to restore this legendary aircraft to flying status to serve as a living memorial to the thousands of men and women who built, serviced and flew them during the war years. 

Specifications

Name: Texas Zephyr

N-Number: N346AB

Mfg Date: December 1944

Specifications

Wing Span: 95 ft. 0 in.

Length: 64 ft. 5 in.

Height: 16 ft. 11 in.

Weight: 33,000 lbs loaded

Armament: None

Engines:  Two Pratt & Whitney R-1830s of 1,200 hp. each

Crew: Six

Cost: $138,000

Serial Number: 44-77109

Performance

Maximum speed: 232 mph.

Cruising speed: 175 mph.

Range: 1,513 miles

Service Ceiling: 24,450 ft

Jumpers 

In addition to flying, we are qualified to carry sky divers and airborne reenactors. Our C-47 is equipped with a 'jump door' and an anchor-line cable for airborne reenactors. For additional information and to schedule jumps please contact us at: caf@tstar.net.

Special Occasions

We can help make your air show, reunion, or special event truly one to remember with an appearance by this magnificent example of the undisputed Queen of the Skies. To schedule a rendezvous with this legend please contact us at: caf@tstar.net.