Probably the greatest aircraft design ever.
Maybe they were used as substitutes for the grounded jets a few years ago:
“By March 18, every single Boeing 737 MAX plane (387 in total) had been grounded, which affected 8,600 weekly flights operated by 59 airlines across the globe. Several ferry flights were operated with flaps extended to circumvent MCAS activation.”
Similar to the old spare refrigerators, freezers, toasters and other items in the grandparents’ basements used as backups by the younger generation as their own new ones lasted 2-3 years before breaking down. That was in a newspaper column by Dear Abby or one of those. Actually heard cases of it being true.
The storied Consolidated PBY amphibian of WWII used the same engine.
My Dad piloted PBYs in the SW Pacific and after the war, DC-3s for Hawaiian Airlines. We moved to Rhode Island, where he worked for Douglas Aircraft as technical representative for AD-1, AD-4, DC-8, and finally, DC-10. Boeing took over production until my Dad’s retirement—living to 97.
I flew DC-3T in the Congo for several years for the International Red Cross. It was built in 1943 it flew in Normandy Invasion It was converted by the South African Air Force for coastal patrol. SAAF bought about 30 and converted them. Everything was updated. Cockpit was stretched 48 inches giving pilots shelf space and jump seat. Double cargo doors installed and had a gross of 29000 lbs with 1130 gallons of fuel in four tanks. Had a range of 1200 NM at 10,000 ft or higher. Engines were derated P&W 6-65R, Baslers are -67Rs. They would pull 4500 lbs. of torque if needed for a total of 1400 hp. each but were derated to 3000 lbs of torque pulling around 900 hp.on takeoff. The 1400 hp was there if needed.
There are still several abandoned stock 3’s parked around the Congo, a few years ago. Company in Pretoria will convert one for around $5 million last I heard. They are 10 knots faster than the Basler because of the narrower
cowling and longer wingtips. There may be other changes that I am not aware of at this time.
I actually got to get in a C-46 at Taipei in the early 70s. Flew on multiple DC-3s during the late 60s and early 70s.