NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The need by American Airlines for an airliner with the ability to fly larger passenger loads at longer distances at higher speeds brought about the Douglas DC-3. The aircraft, that first took to the sky in December of 1935, could seat up to 28 passengers, and fly up to1,500 miles at a speed of 192 mph.
Creature comforts for passengers aboard the aircraft included in flight meals while seated in well padded, extra comfortable seats. Extra sound deadening fabrics were used in the cabin to reduce engine noise. The aircraft engines were mounted on special shock absorbers to lessen vibrations.
It was the introduction of the DC-3 which initially made American Airlines more successful than its competitors. They flew smaller aircraft which had shorter ranges. However, it wasn't long before they too ordered the new aircraft.
The DC-3 was acquired by civil carriers in Europe as well as the United States. KLM Airlines, the first foreign carrier to acquire the DC-3, regularly flew the aircraft from the Netherlands to Australia, with stops along the way.
The Douglas DC-3 was the first twin engine aircraft able to earn a profit without the need to haul freight. It made it possible to fly from coast to coast in the United States in less than 24 hours, allowing for taking on fuel three times on a typical cross country journey.
It is estimated that in the years just prior to the start of World War II, DC-3 aircraft made all but five percent of the total commercial airline flights throughout the world.
Many DC-3 aircraft were pressed into military service where they were used as troop and cargo transports during the Second World War. After the war, a number of the aircraft were brought into civil aviation and use to transport passengers and freight.
The DC-3 became known as a true workhorse, able to fly with little or no repairs between normal maintenance. The aircraft could operate out of unimproved air strips and in hostile climates without missing a beat.
During their service history the aircraft received a number of improvements. Most notable were more powerful engines enabling them to fly higher above the weather for additional passenger comfort.
A total of 455 Douglas DC-3 aircraft were produced for use by commercial airlines. An additional 15,000 were produced for the military.
transport
three
21 to 28
Wright Cyclone
2 x 1,200
hp. ea.
64' 6”
95' 0”
18,300 lbs.
26,900 lbs.
4,500 lbs.
192 mph
1,100 fpm
21,000 feet
1,500 miles
12/17/35
1936
Radio Control Airplane
Dave Johnson and his rc Douglas DC-3.
Radio Control Airplanes:
Pictured above is Dave Johnson with his giant scale rc Douglas DC-3 built from enlarge Ziroli plans. It has a 21 1/2 foot wingspan with a 14 3/4 foot length and weighs about 120 lbs. Dave uses Zenoah 62 engines for power.
The first picture below is of the rc Douglas DC-3 built from Nick Ziroli plans by Carl Bachhuber. Wingspan is 140" and length is 97". Weight is around 43 lbs. Carl uses G-38's to power his model.
The middle picture is of Fred Sanford holding his rc Douglas DC-3 ARF from Great Planes. It has a 59" wingspan and is driven by a pair of Speed 400 motors. All up weight is about 3 lbs. Great Planes has discontinued producing the model.
The bottom picture is of David Ramsey with his Polk Hobbies rc Douglas DC-3 ARF. Its wingspan is 72" and length is 48" The fuselage is molded and wings are built-up balsa. A pair of Speed 600 motors powers the model. Polk no longer makes the model.
The RC Store sells plans for a 75" wingspan rc Douglas DC-3. Its length is 63" and power can come from a pair of .25 two cycle engines.
Kit Cutters has a rc Douglas DC-3 kit with a 140" wingspan made from Nick Ziroli plans. Recommended are 35 to 45 cc gas engines. Weight can be from 39 to 46 lbs.
Cleveland Model has plans for the rc Douglas DC-3 with wing spans of 35 1/2", 47", 71", 95", 142", 189" and 284".
The HK Industries website shows a rc Douglas DC-3 ARF made from what appears to be EPP foam. We can not find its specifications.
Top Flite sells a rc Douglas DC-3 kit. Its wingspan is 82 1/2" and length is 55 1/2". Building materials are balsa and plywood. Engines are .25 to
.40 two cycle and weight is around 10 lbs.
KMP has a giant scale rc Douglas DC-3 ARF with a 104" wingspan for sale that uses .91 four cycle engines or equivalent electric motors for power. It has a fiberglass fuselage with either built-up or optional fiberglass wings.
It comes in civilian or military markings.
Grand Wing System USA has a rc Douglas DC-3 ARF for sale with a wingspan of 47" and a length of 32". It uses a GWS EDP 300H power system and weighs around 18 oz.
Douglas DC-3
