Douglas DC-2 variant
Douglas DC-2 C-42
VIP transport derived from the C-39 with 1,000 hp R-1820-53 engines: one built in 1939 and two C-39s converted in 1943.
Image pending
- 1
- Units built
- 16
- Passengers
History
The general's aircraft
The C-42, factory designation DC-2-267, is the VIP transport version of the C-39, powered by two 1,000 hp (750 kW) Wright R-1820-53 engines. One was built in 1939 for the commanding general of GHQ Air Force.
In 1943 two similarly converted C-39s joined it, with their cargo doors bolted shut: a detail that sums up the pragmatism of military transport at the time, where a freighter became a VIP aircraft by closing an opening and fitting armchairs.