Overview
The DC-3 was the first airliner that could make a profit carrying only passengers. With its military version, the C-47 Dakota, more than 16,000 were built — and some still fly today, nearly 90 years after the first flight.
Air Ceylon began operations in 1947 with DC-3 Dakotas.
Specifications
Dimensions
| Length | 19.70 m |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 29.00 m |
| Height | 5.16 m |
| Wing area | 91.7 m² |
Weights & fuel
| Empty weight | 7,650 kg |
|---|---|
| Max. take-off weight | 11,430 kg |
Performance
| Max. speed | 370 km/h |
|---|---|
| Cruise speed | 333 km/h |
| Range | 2,400 km |
| Service ceiling | 7,100 m |
Crew & capacity
| Crew | 2–3 |
|---|---|
| Seats (typical) | 28 |
| Seats (max.) | 32 |
Powerplant
| Engines | 2 |
|---|---|
| Engine model | Wright R-1820 Cyclone or P&W R-1830 Twin Wasp |
| Power (each) | 895 kW |
Figures are compiled from public sources and may be approximate; they can vary by variant and configuration.
Photos
Photo 1: Towpilot / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Some text and images come from Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA licences.




