After 80 years, the last military C-47 Dakotas are being retired

[Stampede]

Why can't South Africa make a contract with some airplane manufacturer to make a modernized version of this DC-3 / C-47 aircraft with the same basic design, same look, same same features* except using an already-existing popular turboprop engine that has a good record of success in other air frames and has factory support for parts and repair?


* Upgraded avionics, of course. Navigation and communications. Engine monitoring.

They are broke......

Why would they anyway? Too many other good and proven aircraft out there that can do the job better for probably less than a newly built DC-3.

The DC-3 / C-47s are still used because they are great reliable aircraft that are cheap to buy and operate. Adding the new turbo-props helped, but they are still very old aircraft. No need to build the same 1930s design when you can buy used C-130s, C-27s or new C-390s. Getting new or at least good spare parts for DC-3s isn't going to be that easy either.

In South Africa's case they use the C-47s because they can't afford much else and the Dakotas can do the basic job of moving cargo or people. But a used C-130 (with a rear ramp) is far better suited for it.

Just my opinion of course........

 

[aFarewellToKings]

Why can't South Africa make a contract with some airplane manufacturer to make a modernized version of this DC-3 / C-47 aircraft with the same basic design, same look, same same features* except using an already-existing popular turboprop engine that has a good record of success in other air frames and has factory support for parts and repair?


* Upgraded avionics, of course. Navigation and communications. Engine monitoring.

That's, basically, what they had. They had already upgraded the engines to turboprops, and probably the controls etc.
But they would still need someone to maintain them.