C-47D Dakota (Douglas DC-3)

The DC-3, which dominated the American air transport market from the 1930s until the 1950s, was produced in greater numbers than any of its rivals and was a vital force in establishing a mass market for air travel. It was also used for handling Allied air transport during the Second World War.  The C-47 (DC-3) aircraft on display was built in the USA as a military aircraft in 1943. It was first flown by the British Royal Air Force before serving the West German air force as a passenger and transport aircraft until 1967. The orange paintings are typical for its last purpose: it was then used until 1976 in the testing of military air traffic control systems and radio navigation equipment