EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018: Warbirds - The Iconic Douglas DC-3 and C-47 Family

By Fred Harl

The Aero Experience continues with our coverage of warbirds at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 with a look at some of the Douglas DC-3/C-47 aircraft found on the grounds during the week. The familiar warbird began as the outgrowth of the popular DC-2 and became the standard airliner of the late 1930s. Drafted into wartime service, the C-47 and following subtypes were acquired from existing airline stocks and off the production line with modifications for cargo loading, glider towing and related missions. The aircraft continued to serve the world's airlines and military services around the world for three decades, and some still serve in specialty markets. Basler Turbo Conversions of Oshkosh performs complete rebuilds of DC-3/C-47 aircraft and installs turboprop engines on them when ordered by their customers. One recent rebuild project, That's All Brother, served as a pathfinder over Normandy during airborne assault on D-Day. It now flies with the Commemorative Air Force and will participate in the 75th Anniversary of D-Day celebration at Normandy, France next year.