SAAF Museum Dakotas soldier on
Date: 12 June 2007
The South African Air Force operated the Douglas C47 Dakota for over fifty years, dating from the Second World War in 1943, and for some time, had the distinction to operate the largest remaining fleet of Dakotas in the world.
During the early 1990's a large number were converted and upgraded to "TP" or "Turbo-Dak" configuration, which somehow changed their unique radial character and ended the operation of the radial engined C47 in the SAAF. Today 35 Squadron at AFB Ysterplaat continues to operate the TP version of the Dakota in the maritime patrol role.
Two vintage radial Dakotas remain on strength within the SAAF and proudly on the books of the Air Force Museum. The two aircraft are 6859 at Swartkop and 6832 at Ysterplaat. The latter aircraft, better known as the Coelacanth Dak, is subject to a spirited rebuild project at Ysterplaat, which would hopefully see her fly in the not too distant future.
Recently, 6859 at Swartkop which; since her delivery to the Air Force Museum in 1994; has been kept in an airworthy condition, had an unfortunate head pod failure to one of her otherwise trusty Pratt & Whitney radial engines, which necessitated an urgent engine change. The only known functional engine within the SAAF were on aircraft 6832 at Ysterplaat. The decision was therefore made to acquire an engine from 6832 at Ysterplaat and fit it to 6859 at Swartkop. F/Sgts Marco Geddes, Nico Booysen and Mr Johan du Preez (AMG) made a successful trip to collect the Pratt & Whitney and transport it back to Swartkop. The necessary engine change was made, with the "new" engine serviced and fitted to 6859.
It was with a bit of apprehension on my part that the engine was started on the 12th of June 2007, for the first time in twelve years, as she stood idle on 6832 since 1994! She took at the second attempt amidst a good amount of smoke. What a great sight!
A large amount of testing still need to be done, and it was envisaged that the aircraft would make an appearance at the Hoedspruit Airshow on the 7th of July 2007, but only one of the three pilots were available. The current pilots of this Dakota are Lt Col Andre Steenkamp, Col Hennie Smit and Lt Col Steve Odendal.
The technical ground crew of the Air Force Museum proudly showed their dedication and passion and they will continue to preserve and cherish this beautiful aircraft for the years to come.
Article submitted by Captain Leon Steyn, SAAF Museum, Research Officer.
