Was there an amphibious DC-3?

Short answer

Yes: the Douglas XC-47C was created by fitting Edo Model 78 floats onto a standard C-47. The single-step metal floats carried retractable wheels that also allowed operation from land, though the tires tended to fail. Edo was commissioned to build 150 sets, and the C-47C saw limited service in New Guinea and Alaska.

Published: November 5, 2026 · Updated: November 5, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Douglas DC-3

Edo floats on a Douglas twin

The Douglas XC-47C was a float seaplane resulting from fitting Edo Model 78 floats onto a production C-47. Each float weighed one ton and measured 16.46 m in length, and incorporated an internal tank with a capacity of 1,136 liters. They were metal, single-step floats, and housed, at the level of that step, the retractable wheels that allowed the XC-47C to operate from land; the tires, however, tended to fail. Each float carried two hydraulically actuated wheels.

Behavior in flight and on water

The prototype, with a 1942 serial number and powered by two Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engines, handled well in the air, although it could carry less payload than the standard C-47. Its flying qualities were considered satisfactory. The XC-47C's biggest problem was that it could only operate on smooth water, which greatly limited its usefulness. Landing on anything other than calm water was problematic, and the severe tire damage, together with the large side area, which was awkward in crosswinds, made landing on solid ground difficult.

Order and service

Despite those limitations, 150 sets of floats were ordered from Edo. They were intended for field modifications and were said to be jettisonable in flight. Amphibious C-47Cs saw limited service in Alaska and New Guinea.