02 Oct RAF BBMF Dakota C-47
The RAF BBMF C-47 Dakota was manufactured by the Douglas Aircraft Company in the USA in 1942. During the second world war the aircraft served with the Royal Canadian Air Force in Canada. The aircraft landed at Manchester Airport due to an engine failure. It landed safely and the crew were fine. It stayed at Signature Flight Support, whilst repairs were done.
The Dakota joined the BBMF IN 1993. As there are now no other multi engine tail-wheel aircraft in RAF service outside the BBMF, the Dakota has an important role as a training aircraft on the Flight, as well as being sought after display asset in its own right.
The aircraft landed at Manchester Airport due to an engine failure. It landed safely and the crew were fine. It stayed at Signature Flight Support, whilst repairs were done.
Managing Director, Adrian – It was amazing to see such a historic aircraft, close up.
ABOUT THE DAKOTA
The Douglas C-47 Dakota is without doubt one of the most successful aircraft designs in history. It became one of the world’s most famous military transport aircraft and saw widespread use by the Allies during World War Two and subsequently by Air Forces and civilian operators worldwide.
DAKOTA ZA947
The aircraft was adopted by Strike Command and issued to the BBMF in March 1993. In 2004, an original and authentic floor and interior was re-fitted to the Dakota, returning the cabin to the original, wartime specification. As there are now no other multi-engine tail wheel aircraft in RAF service outside the BBMF, the Dakota is an important training asset used for initial training of aircrew for the BBMF multi-engine aircraft and for renewing the currency of the Flight’s Lancaster pilots each year.
In addition to this role though, the Dakota is a sought-after display aircraft in her own right and, as such, she appears regularly on the air show circuit either on her own or as part of a BBMF formation. She continues to be capable of para-dropping and is used in that role for special commemorative events.
ZA947 is now painted to represent Dakota FZ692 of No 233 Squadron, around the D-Day period in 1944. This aircraft, which was named ‘Kwicherbichen’ by her crews, was involved in Para-dropping operations on the eve of D-Day and subsequently in re-supply and casualty evacuation missions into and out of forward airfields in the combat areas.