The C-117 was based on the reliable and proven DC-3/C-47 and was originally intended for the civilian airline market. The "Super DC-3" featured a longer fuselage, redesigned tail and wings, and fully enclosed the landing gear when retracted. In 1951, the Navy evaluated the Super DC-3 and liked the increased performance it offered and accepted the aircraft as the R4D-8. Rather than purchase new aircraft a total of 98 earlier R4Ds were converted to R4D-8 standards. In 1962, the R4D-8 was redesignated under the joint Air Force-Navy designation system as the C-117D. Super Gooneybirds continued in U.S. Navy service into the mid-1970s.
Wingspan
90 ft
Length
67 ft 9 in.
Height
18 ft 3 in.
Weight
31,000 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed
270 MPH
Service Ceiling
22,500 ft
Range
2,500 miles
Engines
Two Wright R-1820-80 with 1,475 horsepower each
Crew
3 with 35 passengers
Manufacturer Douglas
Markings Marine Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 27 (H&MS-27,) Cherry Point, North Carolina, 1968
Serial Number 50826
Designation R4D-8
Pima Air & Space Museum
Creating unlimited horizons in aerospace education through the preservation and presentation of the history of flight.