Douglas C-54 / DC-4 Skymaster
(Berlin Airlift)

The enormous success of the DC-3 Dakota (C-47 Skytrain) just before and during the Second World War soon led to a next stage in the development of passenger aircraft. The DC-4 (military version C-54) filled the need for larger planes, carrying more passengers over longer distances. Scheduled for 1942, the USA Army took over development and production per June 1941. Between 1942 and 1947, 1163 were produced in the military version C-54, after the war just 80 of the civilian version DC-4. In the 1950s, a large number of C-54’s were sold to airlines all over the world. The design was gradually improved and enlarged, resulting in the DC-6 and DC-7. After this, the piston engines became history, to be replaced by jet engines in the DC-8.

The Berlin Airlift, 1948-1949: When the USSR stopped all overland access to Berlin (the Berlin Blockade, 24 June 1948 – 12 May 1949) the Allies promptly set up the Berlin Airlift (26 June 1948 – 30 September 1949) in which everything needed was flown into the beleaguered city – even sweets, delivered by the famous “Candy Bombers” in 200,000 sorties, up to 12,941 tons per day was unloaded at Tempelhof and other Berlin airports. The three hundred American C-54 / DC-4 Skymasters played an important role, but many other planes were made available by all the western Allies.

The DC-4 was retired in 1991; a very small number is still in flying condition – one of them the “Spirit of Freedom” of Berlin Airlift fame. Several are on show in museums around the world.