C-47 Skytrain latest addition to Heritage Park

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LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Every major era of combat airlift is now represented at Heritage Park with the addition of a C-47 Skytrain static aircraft, the workhorse airlifter of World War II.

The Team Little Rock Airmen who worked for several months repairing and repainting the C-47 to match its June 1944 D-Day paint scheme christened the aircraft Nov. 10 during the Veterans Day Retreat ceremony in memory of all veterans.

"Particularly those Combat Airlifters who carried the paratroopers to their designated drop zones under enemy fire, then resupplied and maneuvered American troops across Europe in the last days of the Second World War. For their service and sacrifice, we are eternally grateful," said Senior Master Sgt. Robert Russell, 48th Airlift Squadron.

The U.S. Army Air Corps ordered its first C-47s in 1940, and by the end of World War II, procured a total of 9,348. These C-47s carried personnel and cargo around the globe. They also towed troop-carrying gliders, dropped paratroops into enemy territory, and air evacuated sick or wounded patients. A C-47 could carry 28 passengers, 18-22 fully equipped paratroopers, about 6,000 lbs. of cargo or 18 stretchers and three medical personnel.

"We, Combat Airlifters, all trace our lineage back to the C-47. There are seven squadrons on base whose heritage is based partially on this aircraft," said Chris Rumley, 314th Airlift Wing historian. "All seven active-duty flying squadrons flew this plane during World War II."

The base now has at least one airlift aircraft representing every major era the base's squadrons flew in: World War II (the C-47), Korea (the C-119), Vietnam (the C-123 and C-130), and the modern era (the bases' two static C-130s, in addition to the 84 operating C-130s assigned to the base.)

(Courtesy of the 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs)