DC-3: The trusted aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF)
Vintage aircraft that can carry anything, and land almost anywhere
Let’s open the hangar doors first
The DC-3 ( ‘DC’ stands for Douglas Corporation) is a twin-engine propeller driven, transport aircraft ( three blades on each engine) that took to the skies for the first time on 17th. December 1935.
A tail-wheel and a single-unit partially retractable main landing gear mounted underneath little aft of the engines, gives this vintage aircraft a tall-appeal when viewed from the front.
The powerful piston engines were developed by Prat & Whitney, that became a standard on other aircrafts of the time. I would not be surprised to know that the production of these aircrafts involved more skilled hands, that were vociferous than machines at their manufacturing facility in California.
The military version of DC-3 was known as C-47 Skytrain or Dakota, that made off-field and on-field exercises smooth. The civilian version was a hit especially amongst U.S carriers, such as American Airlines and United Airlines.
DC-3s role in Indian Air Force
Even though Indian Air Force was officially established in the year 1932, the DC-3 aircraft came into picture much later. There were plenty of DC-3s available, that were easy to absorb into the air force during World War 2.
The formation of the No 12 Sqn at Kohat (now in Pakistan), was home to few DC-3s then. Post-Independence, the Dakota aircraft were positioned at Srinagar with troops of 1st Sikh regiment, and logistics needed to combat possible infiltration and militant attacks from Pakistan.
The operation gained moment with more DC-3s pressed in to assist the troops on daily basis in and out. There was a tight tension in Jammu and Kashmir, and the IAFs DC-3s were no less than angels, that not only saved saved Kashmir, but also created an air bridge.
These DC-3 planes took off in the early hours on 27th. October 1947, from Palam, Delhi bound for Srinagar carrying close to 20 armed personnel, thus creating that indispensable backbone during the heights of political unrest.
Not only in Srinagar, but DC-3s also touched down in one piece at the Leh airport, with Air Cmde Mehar Singh behind the yoke, situated at an elevation of 10680 feet. Observing a vintage aircraft like Douglas DC-3 working against the clock even in the unforgiving terrains- just like a Jeep, is commendable.
Who would have imagined DC-3 flying at such an high altitude carrying medical supplies, essentials to Laddakh? This aircraft was never flown at such an altitude without pressurization.
DC-3 squadrons of the Indian Air Force
During there tenure with IAF (Indian Air Force), DC-3s were stationed exclusively in North-Western and North-Eastern regions to assist in challenges associated with Pakistan and China respectively, before they were retired in 1988.
- №11 Sqn., formed in 1951 at Barrackpore
- №12 Sqn., formed in 1945 at Kohat, Pakistan has been shifted to Agra, India
- №43 Sqn., formed in 1958 at Jorhat
- №49 Sqn., based in Jorhat
Some DC-3 facts
- Cruise speed: 333 km/hr.
- Range: 2400 km
- Engines: Two, Pratt & Whitney twin wasp radial piston
- Length: 64 feet 8 inches
- Wingspan: 95 feet 2 inches
- Cockpit crew: 3
- Passengers: 21–28 ( differs from airline to airline)
- Standard fuel capacity: 3100 litres
The retirement of the DC-3 from Indian Air Force
The inexplicable role , capability and memories associated with this legendary, vintage DC-3 aircraft that served Indian Air Force (IAF) from 1946–1988 was once again made fresh in the year 2018, with one of the oldest Dakota DC-3 aircraft obtained from scrap was freshly painted in IAF colours.
Did you know that this special plane was named ‘Parashurama’? This DC-3, registered VP 905 received a welcome at Hindon Air Force Base in April 2018, with a joint effort between IAF and Reflight Airworks team in London. Remember! the tail number 905 is from the very DC-3 aircraft of the №12 Sqn, which landed in Srinagar on 27th. October 1947.
The Indian Air Force museum, Delhi also houses the nostalgic DC-3, in silver paint , registered IJ-302. Come and get lost in time with this Gooney Bird for once.
— Pramod Sharma, Author
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -
References:
DC-3 has been my favourite vintage aircraft. I wished I could display more photos from the vintage era of IAF, but the copyrights were too tight, hence I opted out. The following resources helped me in my interpretation of this article.
