Douglas C-54 Skymaster

An USAF C-54 Skymaster

Douglas C-54 Skymaster in flight, circa in 1943

C-54 landing at Tempelhof 1948

Douglas-C-54-NL-316a

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C-54 destroyed by North Korean fighters 1950

Douglas C-54 Skymaster is a four-engine, propeller-driven transport aircraft developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company during the late 1930s and early 1940s. Originally designed for commercial use, the C-54 was extensively used by the United States military during World War II, the Korean War, and into the 1960s for various purposes, including cargo transport, troop transport, and medical evacuation.

Development and Design

The Douglas C-54 Skymaster was derived from the Douglas DC-4, a civilian airliner that was adapted for military use before it could enter commercial service due to the outbreak of World War II. The military version, designated the C-54, featured several modifications from the civilian DC-4, including reinforced flooring, a cargo door, and the capability to carry up to 50 troops or 26 stretchers for medical evacuation missions.

Operational History

During World War II, the C-54 became a vital asset in the Allied logistics effort, playing a key role in operations such as the Berlin Airlift where it was used to transport supplies into West Berlin during the Soviet blockade of 1948-1949. The aircraft's long range and substantial payload capacity made it well-suited for transatlantic flights, and it was used to carry personnel, equipment, and supplies to the European and Pacific theaters.

After the war, many C-54s were returned to the United States and were either stored or sold to civilian airlines, where they were converted back to DC-4s for passenger service. However, the C-54 continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps throughout the Korean War and into the 1960s, performing a variety of roles including military transport and presidential transport, with one notable C-54, the Sacred Cow, serving as the first presidential aircraft for President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Variants

The C-54 underwent several modifications throughout its service life, resulting in numerous variants including the C-54A, C-54B, C-54D, and C-54G among others. These variants differed primarily in their engines, cargo handling capabilities, and range.

Legacy

The Douglas C-54 Skymaster played a significant role in the development of air logistics and military air transport. Its versatility and reliability set the standard for future military transport aircraft. Today, several C-54s are preserved in museums around the world, serving as a testament to their contribution to military aviation history.

Specifications (C-54D)

Crew

4 (pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, radio operator)

Capacity

50 troops or 26 stretchers

Length

93 ft 10 in (28.6 m)

Wingspan

117 ft 6 in (35.8 m)

Height

27 ft 6 in (8.38 m)

Wing area

1,460 sq ft (135.6 m²)

Empty weight

38,000 lb (17,237 kg)

Loaded weight

62,000 lb (28,123 kg)

Powerplant

4 × Pratt & Whitney R-2000 Twin Wasp, 1,450 hp (1,081 kW) each

Maximum speed

275 mph (442 km/h)

Range

4,000 mi (6,400 km)

Service ceiling

22,000 ft (6,700 m)