Monday, September 13, 2010

75 years of the DC-3


75 years after the first one rolled off the production line in 1935, hundreds of one of the world's most legendary aircraft - the DC-3 - are still in service. This book brings together the largest collection of photographs of the DC-3 from inception to the present time, in both civilian and military service. The author has gathered some 250 high quality photographs from around the world.

A rich history surrounds the DC-3. As the aircraft of choice for the world's major air carriers it helped spur the tremendous growth in airline travel in the late 1930s, and even more so after WW2. General Dwight D Eisenhower identified the DC-3/C-47 as one of the keys to the Allies' victory in WW2. The aircraft even served as a potent gunship in the Vietnam conflict. This book captures this history, bringing this workhorse to life for readers through its particularly dramatic photographs.

For those seeking more details on its use in NZ civilian service, the book The Aircraft of Air New Zealand and Affiliates since 1940 has plenty of information and photos.

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