Douglas R4D-8
Douglas R4D-8 (C-117D) Super Gooneybird
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 |
Wingspan |
| Length | 67 ft 9 in. |
Length |
| Height | 18 ft 3 in. |
Height |
| Weight | 31,000 lbs (loaded) |
Weight |
| Max. Speed | 270 MPH |
Maximum Speed |
| Service Ceiling | 22,500 ft |
Service Ceiling |
| Range | 2,500 miles |
Range |
| Engines | Two Wright R-1820-80 with 1,475 horsepower each |
Engines |
| Crew | 3 with 35 passengers |
Crew |
Manufacturer
Douglas
Markings
Marine Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 27 (H&MS-27,) Cherry Point, North Carolina, 1968
Serial Number
50826
Designation
R4D-8