The C-47B Skytrain (or Dakota) is a military transport aircraft derived from the foundational Douglas DC-3 airliner. It served extensively with the USAAF and Allied forces during WWII and remained active in military operations for decades after. The C-47 series, known for its sturdy design and reliability, was produced in vast numbers, exceeding 10,000 units.
The aircraft was primarily manufactured by Douglas Aircraft Company. Founded by Donald Wills Douglas Sr., the company was an aerospace titan for decades, beginning with its earliest biplanes and achieving global success with the DC-3 before transitioning the design to the C-47 for military service. Douglas Aircraft Company eventually merged with McDonnell Aircraft to form McDonnell Douglas in 1967.
A range of access solutions supports maintenance around the C-47B, including the Reach Deck Platform, Modular Stepover Platforms, Super Trestle Scaffold, Ultraraise, Super Service Stand, Easyraise, Bridge Deck, Cantilever Platform, Aviation Chock and Cone Trolley, Super Maintenance Platform, Branach Fibreglass Platform, A Frame Aviation Platform, and Platform Ladder Warthog. These products help solve access and maintenance needs related to sections such as the Nose Section (Radome, Windshield & Cockpit), Forward Fuselage (Main Entry Door, Cargo/Baggage, Cabin Access), Landing Gear (Nose Landing Gear, Main Landing Gear), Middle Fuselage / Wing Box Area (Wing Box, Fuel Tanks, Cabin Interior), Wing & Engine Pylon (Engine, Fuel Tanks/Pumps, Undercowl), AFT Fuselage (AFT Bulkhead, AFT Cargo), Tail Section (Vertical Stabiliser, Horizontal Stabiliser, Rudder), and General Access.
