Douglas DC-3 (Sleeping Beauty)

The DC-3 (Douglas Commercial Three) evolved from the Douglas DC-2. The DC-3 had larger wings and a longer or wider fuselage. The first flight of the DC-3 was in December 1935. The military version of this aircraft was also called the C-47 and was purchased by several air forces. This included the British Air Force which (according to its own tradition) came up with a completely unique name for this aircraft: 'Dakota'. Until 1947 a total of about 13,000 Dakotas were built, this includes 2,000 (derived from the DC-3) aircraft built in Russia and Japan.

Nickname Sleeping Beauty

The Dutch Dakota Association acquired this DC-3 in 1987 with the intention of storing the aircraft and not restoring it until 2010. Hence the nickname "Sleeping Beauty. Due to circumstances, restoration started earlier, which eventually turned out to be a 12-year project. The aircraft was painted in the colors of Martin's Air Charter. As Martinair used to be called, this company actually flew the DC-3.

Future

After the successful transport, Sleeping Beauty is safely in place in the T2 hangar at Aviodrome, along with many other special aircraft, and can be seen there by visitors. Volunteers are busy preparing to get her flying again soon. Not, like the DDA, with passengers, but to fly as an ambassador of Aviodrome to events and especially to let Aviodrome visitors see and experience the aircraft in its natural environment. A complete and substantiated plan is currently being worked out, including preparation of all work and testing the plans against all laws and regulations. Once all plans are complete and approved, the volunteers can actually physically get to work. They have already started to look for the necessary replacement parts.