Another fly-off: C-47 vs. C-130. Troop Carrier/Tactical Airlifter. Which has been more significant?

Question

There is no question which of these two is the more capable airplane. The C-130 is a 19-year younger design, which benefitted from technological advances including World War II developments. It is faster, larger, can land in a shorter space and has proven one of the most versatile and adaptable airlifters ever built.

But the old Gooney Bird came along at the perfect time to become one of the most effective weapons of World War II. C-47s, also known as R4Ds when flown by Navy or Marines, landed at both the North and South Poles, helped support the C-B-I in World War II, dropped troops on D-Day, and continued to serve as Troop Carriers in the Korean War. They served as gunships in Vietnam. Their simplicity made them useful when newer transports were still working out the bugs.

You have to have some historical perspective to address this question. Okay, military aircraft buffs. Share your expertise. Which of these two incredible aircraft actually accomplished the most?

Very true, Victor. C-47s were adaptations of the DC-3, and were flown by several allied countries as well as by the U.S. The British called them "Dakotas."

Wacky, I have traveled many miles in both C-130s and C-47s, including Atlantic crossings in the 130. I agree with you, but both airplanes always got me there safe. My very first point is that these are both incredibly respectable airplanes. But they do belong to different eras.

The key word in my question, conranger, is "significant." The fact is, you could choose either aircraft and defend that choice. I hope there will be responses of those kinds.

If nobody else does, I will present them at some later point. But I want to hear choices from the Y!A community.

You could probably make a case for the German Junkers Ju-52 being the first true tactical airlifter. It carried cargo, dropped parachute troops and towed gliders in the early years of World War II, and was part of the German Blitzkrieg--or lightning war--strategy.

That said, the C-47 defined the tactical airlift role. It was not the first American military transport, but it was the first to be produced in very large numbers. The very similar-appearing Curtiss C-46 was a new airplane, struggling to get past its monumental developmental problems. Much larger and a bit faster, it helped, but the C-47, which was becoming obsolete, was THE troop carrier during most of World War II.

The very capable Fairchild C-82 appeared too late to be of use in World War II, but its design led to the C-119.

In Korea, when maintenance problems grounded C-46 and C-119s, it was the C-47 that carried the loads. It did much more than anyone ever expected of it.

Drawing from the experiences with the C-47, C-46, C-82, C-119, and C-123, the Air Force requested proposals in the early 1950's for what became the C-130 Hercules. The C-130 first flew in 1954 and is in production still today!!

Unlike earlier tactical transports, the C-130 is pressurized. It is fast, has a very respectable range, and has been designed for troop and cargo airdrop or airland deliveries.

In every respect, the Hercules is a worthy successor to the C-47. While the C-47 defined the tactical airlift role, it was the C-130 that refined it.

Now, which one is the more significant contributor to the science of military airlift?

As a military aviation enthusiast, I love both of these airplanes. This is a really tough choice because we have to weigh so many factors in making the choice.

Answer 1

I'd have to go with the C-47, since it was the aircraft that permitted the creation of America's Airborne Divisions, MAC, and Air-supply...

The C-130 is a terrific bird, but just the beefed up, steriod juiced lil brother to the C-47, C-119, C-124...

Answer 2

The C47 paved the way for the HurculesC130~The C47 crossed Both bounderys Commercialy and Militarly.The C-47 helped win WWII and is Still in Use All Over the World Today,Parts are still available :) The C47 also Started the US Trans world AirlinesTWA Because It Was ans Still Is The Most Dependable
My Husband Who was NAVY too says He,s Jumped 3 times while in Survival Training during Veitnam Training &Jump School and the ride was much smoother then the C130 .#1 it DID It,s Job And Will Again if Needed.
GOD Bless Our Troops One and All

Answer 3

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Answer 4

I believe General Eisenhower had lauded the C47 as a major contributing factor to victory in Europe?

Regardless, they're both cool aircraft. Having jumped out of both of them, I would have to go with the C130 since getting out the door of a DC3 sucks...

Answer 5

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Answer 6

I'll go with the C-130

Always got me there. (safe)

Answer 7

You seem to answer your own question!

So why bother asking?