Photo ID: 1011601
click image to enlarge |
Model: Douglas R4D-8Z, VC-117D |
Registration: N32TN |
| Year: 1951 |
Serial Number: BuNo 17175, c/n 43301 |
| Engine(s): Wright R1820-80 series, 1475-HP, 9-cyl. Single row radials |
Owner: Northern 3 LLC, Anchorage, AK |
| Location: PANC, Anchorage International, Anchorage, AK |
Photographer: Ken Stoltzfus |
| Date: July, 2004 |
Present Registration: Same |
Present Owner (FAA info): Same |
Notes:
2/26/05 – Pretty. Just plain pretty!
N32TN started life as C-47A-20-DK (Oklahoma), c/n 12779, USAAF 42-92924 (tail number 292924), but was transferred to the Navy to become R4D-5, BuNo 17175.
Starting in 1951 the Navy had 100 R4D-5, -6 and -7s converted to the R4D-8, Super DC-3 configuration. They retained their original Navy serial numbers (BuNo) but were given new Douglas c/n (Construction Numbers) 43301-43400. Understandably, the BuNo number and c/n are not in sequence with each other.
N32TN was the first aircraft converted for the Navy, becoming R4D-8Z, c/n 43301, BuNo 17175. The “8Z” was set up as a staff transport with 16 executive seats, a bunk or bunks, lavatory, etc. According to FAA Spec 6A2, four were built. In 1962 the Navy changed the designation to VC-117D. Because of their range, reliability and single-engine performance, the R4D-8/C-117D was the only twin-engine aircraft that the Navy used for passengers between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. |
Photo ID: 1011602
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Notes:
The vertical tail on the Super ‘3 is the first thing that sets it apart from other DC-3’s. The outer wing is also entirely new and is somewhat faster than the original. |
| Photographer: Ken Stoltzfus |
Photo ID: 1011603
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Notes:
This is obviously a freighter, thus the winch on the floor to pull cargo up-hill, toward the front. |
| Photographer: Ken Stoltzfus |
Photo ID: 1011604
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Notes:
I never flew a Super ‘3 but I understand it is a real performer. Son Brian is typed in it and also has 1500-hours + in the turbine DC-3. His dream would be to have a Super DC-3 with P&W 100’s. Now that would be an airplane. I’ve seen photos of one with RR Darts, but that was nothing like the P&W would be. Dream on! |
| Photographer: Ken Stoltzfus |
Photo ID: 1011605
click image to enlarge |
Notes:
Typical DC-3/C-47 overhead panels, with the escape hatch that is a preverbal leaker when it rains unless you seal it with something that makes it almost impossible to open when you need to. |
| Photographer: Ken Stoltzfus |
Photo ID: 1011606
click image to enlarge |
Notes:
TransNorthern has the interior set up for loading small packages such as for UPS contracts, etc. This is a long ways from its original R4D-8Z configuration!
Those who understand the technicalities of operating a large aircraft on a ‘135 certificate will appreciate this 9/02, ‘337. “Installed STC No. ST02196AK to limit passenger capacity to nineteen (or fewer) passengers AND to limit the maximum payload to 7500 pounds”, with appropriate FAA Approved Flight Manual, and placards. Aaaah - - but then, maybe only in Alaska! |
| Photographer: Ken Stoltzfus |
Photo ID: 1011607
click image to enlarge |
Notes:
The cargo door is the original C-47 style, including the paratrooper insert in the forward door. I doubt if the Navy used that a lot!
Some civilian historical details are below. This aircraft was registered in 1983 as N21270; 1985 as N175TD; 1989 as N30000; 1998, Mexican XA-TMR; and finally N32TN in ‘02. |
| Photographer: Ken Stoltzfus |
History from FAA files:
1/83, Bill of Sale, C-117D, BuNo 17175 traded to Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Greybull, WY, from Naval Aviation Museum, NAS, Pensacola, FL;
1/83, H&P registers it as N21270;
9/83, Bill of Sale to Naval Air Museum, NAS Pensacola, from Hawkins & Powers.
10/85, Bill of Sale, Sales Contracting Officer, MCDEC, Quantico, VA, traded this C-117D to Lan-Dale Company, Reno, NV for N2S-3 Stearman BuNo 07841, MSN 75-7085 and other good and valuable consideration;
11/85 Lan-Dale registers aircraft as N175TD.
4/90 Special Airworthiness Certificate, Experimental/Exhibition;
11/89, Lan-Dale has registration changed to N30000;
5/91 Application for Standard Airworthiness, shows 13,561-TTAF;
6/91 Airworthiness Certificate shows it as an R4D-8Z, in Transport Category.
6/97, Sold to American Air Freight, Laredo, TX;
7/97 FAA 337 shows JETT Sales, Laredo, TX as owner;
11/98, Sold to Aero Servicios Integrados Del Norte S.A. De C.V., San Mateo, Mexico; Aircraft deregistered 12/98.
1/02, Bill of Sale to Northern 3 LLC, Anchorage, AK, XA-TMR deregistered in Mexico, aircraft assigned N32TN; S/N 17175 has been used up to this point;
4/02 Application for Airworthiness, engines Wright R1820-80, 13,655-TTAF, Type Certificate 6A2;
6/02, Standard Airworthiness Certificate, Transport Category for Douglas R4D-8Z (C-117D), s/n 43301.
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