R5D on Hickam Field
The Douglas DC-4, known in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps as the R5D, was a vital transport aircraft during World War II and continued to serve for two decades afterward. Over 200 examples of this versatile aircraft were operated by Navy and Marine units, performing a wide variety of roles. Each of the five main versions of the R5D closely corresponded to USAAF variants in the C-54 series, and they were used primarily by the Naval Air Transport Service (NATS) during the war and later by other Navy and Marine Corps units.
Key Variants of the R5D:
R5D-1:
- USAAF Equivalent: C-54A
- Engines: Pratt & Whitney R-2000-7 engines
- Quantity: 58 units
- Role: Basic cargo and personnel transport.
- Special Modifications: Some R5D-1s were modified with a more luxurious interior for use as flagships (R5D-1F, later redesignated as R5D-1Z).
R5D-2:
- USAAF Equivalent: C-54
- Engines: Similar to R5D-1 but with revised fuel systems that eliminated cabin fuel tanks and increased wing capacity.
- Quantity: 30 units
- Special Modifications: Some R5D-2s also served as flagships with VIP interiors (R5D-2F, later redesignated as R5D-2Z).
R5D-3:
- USAAF Equivalent: C-54D
- Engines: Pratt & Whitney R-2000-11 engines
- Quantity: 98 units
- Role: Similar to R5D-2 but with upgraded engines.
- Other Roles: Some R5D-3s were later modified for reconnaissance (RC-54V) and electronic countermeasures (EC-54U).
R5D-4:
- USAAF Equivalent: C-54E
- Engines: Pratt & Whitney R-2000-11 engines
- Quantity: 20 units
- Role: Cargo transport with a slightly different configuration.
R5D-5:
- USAAF Equivalent: A mix of R5D-2 and R5D-3 conversions
- Engines: Pratt & Whitney R-2000-9 engines
- Role: Updated version with a revised interior, intended to match the improvements in later C-54 models.
- Variants: R5D-5Z (VIP transport), R5D-5R (personnel transport).
Post-War Service and Redesignation:
After the disbandment of NATS in 1948, the R5D aircraft were redistributed among various Navy and Marine Corps squadrons, as well as the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) and Fleet Logistics Air Wing. By 1962, nine versions of the R5D were still in service, and they were redesignated under the new unified system:
- VC-54N (R5D-1Z)
- C-54P (R5D-2)
- VC-54P (R5D-2Z)
- C-54Q (R5D-3)
- VC-54Q (R5D-3Z)
- C-54R (R5D-4R)
- C-54S (R5D-5)
- VC-54S (R5D-5Z)
- C-54T (R5D-5R)
Some R5D-4s were also modified for electronic countermeasures and testing, becoming EC-54U, while others were fitted with cameras and designated RC-54V.
Technical Data (R5D-1):
- Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft Company, Santa Monica, California
- Type: Personnel, supply, and staff transport
- Crew: Four
- Passengers: Up to 30
- Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney R-2000-7s, each producing 1,350 hp
- Dimensions:
- Span: 117 ft 6 in
- Length: 93 ft 11 in
- Height: 27 ft 6.5 in
- Wing Area: 1,462 sq ft
- Weights:
- Empty: 37,040 lbs
- Gross: 65,000 lbs
- Performance:
- Max Speed: 281 mph at 15,200 ft
- Cruising Speed: 210 mph
- Initial Climb Rate: 1,010 ft/min
- Service Ceiling: 22,700 ft
- Range: 2,290 miles
The R5D aircraft served crucial roles in transport and logistics during World War II and beyond. Their ability to adapt to various roles, from cargo transport to VIP transport and electronic warfare, made them invaluable assets to the Navy and Marine Corps. The last of these reliable Skymasters was retired in 1974, marking the end of an era for one of the most versatile and dependable military transport aircraft in U.S. history.