USAF Douglas C-47 Skytrain

The Douglas C-47 “Skytrain” was a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the US armed forces during World War II.  Since 1938, the C-47 had remained in front-line service with various military operators for many years.

Beginning in 1941, the C-47 has been a frequent visitor first to Kirtland Field and then Kirtland Air Force Base.  In addition, the C-47 has been assigned over the years to the New Mexico Air National Guard, the Navy Weapons Evaluation Facility (NWEF), and the Civil Air Patrol units based at Kirtland AFB.  Some of the aircraft numbers that have been documented at Kirtland include: 41330, APCS 0-292980 and 45962.