Bare-bones C-47 planes were specially equipped to carry paratroopers and supplies into combat. The interior of the planes were fitted with bucket seats with seat belts on both sides of the fuselage, as shown in this photograph.
The planes were capable of carrying three crew members and 6,000 pounds of cargo, or 28 fully-equipped airborne troops, or 14 wounded on stretchers with three attendants. They were also utilized to pull gliders behind enemy lines, and could tow two gliders at once.
Creator: U.S. Air Force
Publisher: Air Force historical Research Agency; public domain photograph
Dates: 1940–1945
