The Douglas DC-3 is
perhaps the worlds most famous airliner. First appearing in 1935, the plane
became the mainstay of airline transport in the United States in the late
1930's. The requirement for the plane came about as a reaction to the unavailability
of Boeing 247 airliner. The DC-3 served as the personal transport for many
world figures in the their time, including General Eisenhower and
General De Gaule. It was used to transport The Beatles as well as The Rolling
Stones. A DC-3 also conveyed Nelson Mandela as a prisoner in the 1960's
from Swartkops Air Force Base, home of today's South African Historic Flight.
The original DC-3 was designed
as a luxury sleeper with seven upper and seven lower berths and a private
forward cabin.
This plane was known
as the Douglas Sleeper Transport (DST.) The day plane version, known as
the DC-3, had twenty-one seats instead of fourteen berths. The design included
cantilever wings, all-metal construction, two cowled Wright SGR-1820 1,000
hp radial engines, retractable landing gear, and trailing edge flaps. The
controls included an automatic pilot and two sets of instruments.
American Airlines initiated
DST nonstop New York-to-Chicago service on June 25, 1936. and in September
started service with the DC-3. The normal gross weight for the aircraft
was 25,200 pounds, with twenty-one passengers. Many times these weights
were exceeded as conditions required. The normal range was 1,500 miles,
but this could be extended by adding fuel tanks. The cruising speed varied
from 155 mph to 190 mph depending on the load carried and the power used.
The DC-3’s safety record was better than that of most airplanes, primarily
because of its great structural strength and efficient single-engine performance.
Since 1935, 803 commercial
transports and 10,123 military versions have been built. In addition, about
3,000 have been constructed under license in Russia (Li-2) and almost 500
in Japan. In service since 1936, the DC-3 is still in use today throughout
the world.
A Hydraulic Autopilot
is also provided on some aircraft (ZS-BXF is fitted with one) which takes
its hydraulic pressure from the left hand engine driven hydraulic pump.
All other system requirements are met by the right hand engine driven pump.
The DC-3’S are used
for business, leisure and adventure travel in Central and Southern African
region. The DC-3’s renowned take-off and landing capability permits landing
in exotic “off the beaten track” locations and also provides access to
most popular destinations. This versatility allows tour operators to make
the most of their itinerary time by flying directly between destinations
they want, and on their own schedule. This aircraft can be very successfully
used in golf and hunting safaris.
KLAPPERKOP
- DOUGLAS DC-3 DAKOTA: ZS-BXF/BXJ 08 – HISTORY
“Klapperkop” was originally
built for and delivered to the US Army Air Force on 29 December 1943. One
month later, she was transferred to the Royal Air Force and, on 31 January
1944, was transferred to Cairo to the No 5 Wing of the South African Air
Force.
On 16 August 1948, “Klapperkop”
found her way to South African Airways where she was registered as ZS-BXF.
She saw service with SAA until she was returned to SAAF's 44 Squadron on
8 February 1971. After another 20 years with the South African Air
Force, “Klapperkop” was returned to the then South African Airways Historic
Flight on 14 January 1991.
Over the next two years,
she was painstakingly restored to her present immaculate condition.
Her livery represents
that of the DC-3’s when they started service with SAA during the 1940’s.
Since her re-introduction
into service, “Klapperkop” has completed numerous all-inclusive package
tours to various destinations such as game lodges throughout Southern Africa,
Namibia and Zimbabwe, as well as many trips to Livingstone and the Victoria
Falls.
The Name
'Klapperkop' is Afrikaans for coconut head.
"Klapperkop" is also
a hill overlooking the South African capital, Pretoria, near the Voortrekker
Monument . It is the site of Fort Klapperkop, built by the British during
the Anglo-Boer war.The old Transnet SAHF hangar (now once again with the
SAAF) looks onto the sceinic hill, stooped in the military annals of South
African history.
An account of a trip
one family made on this plane is at
http://www.klapperkop.com/
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