The fuselage side doors on a Dakota appear to open outwards, one forwards and one backwards. Here’s one of any number of examples I found online:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/johntrathome/4709248344/
I gather that in flight you cannot do that obviously – so there is, what, one door that opens inwards? like this
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2c/C-47A_Skytrain.jpg
My question is, when accounts refer to dropping stores pallets at Arnhem, for example: they would have been … roughly man-sized, to fit through the door? Or is there some way of having a bigger opening? Does anyone know how it works (ideally, got photos)?
Thanks!
By: oscar duck - 18th February 2014 at 11:41
C-47’s also operated with the forward door [sometimes both doors] removed for supply dropping…
By: Arabella-Cox - 17th February 2014 at 20:04
Adding to what Aeronut mentioned, the following has useful info.
http://www.wwiireenacting.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=34847
By: Arabella-Cox - 17th February 2014 at 07:07
The metal CLE containers were dropped from 6 bomb carriers fitted in pairs under the fuselage on RAF Dakotas. The American C-47 used 6 Parapack fairings from which they dropped the canvas Parapack containers if dropping American paratroops or CLE containers if dropping British paratroops. Stores were dropped from the door but in this case thay would be the wicker Airborne Pannier or the canvas SEAC pack (still in UK service) and no parachutists.
By: garyeason - 15th February 2014 at 10:49
Ah – yep, that nails it. I love the one with a motorbike in it. Thanks.
By: jeepman - 15th February 2014 at 09:59
Some of these might give you an idea…….
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February 15, 2014 at 8:45 am