picture 181688

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota (RAF designation) was developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner and deployed extensively during the Second World War. Complementing its AAC.1 Toucans, the Armée de l’Air began deploying them in large numbers in Indochina starting in mid-1946. This example – left in bare metal overall – was operated by the GT I/64, as seen during the Operation Léa, in October 1947. The type was deployed both for transport and as a bomber. (Artwork by Jean-Marie Guillou)