South Africa’s aging Douglas DC-3 fleet which has flown for the country’s air force is officially to be retired.
Despite not having flown for around two years, the South African Air Force has continued to look at the future of the aircraft, which are assigned to 35 Squadron and based at Ysterplaat Air Base.
Part of the issue has been in maintaining the aircraft, most of which have been flying since 1944, despite 12 examples having being upgraded to C-47TP Turbo Dakota standard in the 1990s, with more modern turboprop engines, avionics and extended fuselage.
The DC-3 (officially C-47) fleet has been used mostly in a transport role with South Africa’s Air Force, but has also been involved in paratrooping, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, maritime, intelligence and navigation training roles over its long career.
Having previously flown with a number of squadrons, the fleet was consolidated into 35 Squadron in 1990.
At its peak, South Africa’s DC-3 fleet was the largest in the world. But soon it is to be stood down with the aircraft either sold on, scrapped or sent to museums. At the time of writing only 5 remain in service.
Â
Â
Main Image (c) Dave Anderson TIA Movements
Â
