IPMS South Africa - C-47TP

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C-47TP - Turbo DAK

Written by Anton Dyason - IPMS SA Media Group

Friday, 03 May 2002

Page 2 of 2

Variants:

VIP transport.

EW/Elint version.

Initially all Tp-Daks were used for transport duty. Some were converted to VIP transport, complete with a new colour scheme. The new aircraft equipped 86 Multi Engine Flying School at Bloemspruit as the standard trainer, and operationally by 44 Sqdn and 35 Sqdn. As the design offered a number of improvements and in the light of the SAAF's experience in using C-47 Dakotas in the maritime role - some airframes were set aside for this task. These aircraft received further modifications to the fuel system with the fitment of a long range fuel tank. A modular maritime package could be fitted for maritime patrol. At least one aircraft appeared in the media as an advanced maritime aircraft, with a FLIR turret under the nose. However, rationalisation of the SAAF, teething problems with the maritime package and the new arms deal, saw most of these aircraft withdrawn from service and stored as a result. But the need for maritime patrol to protect South Africa's fishing resources saw all of the remaining TP-Daks moved to 35 Sqdn. However, as many of these aircraft were stored, the aircraft received a short maintenance program and some updates to the systems originally fitted, e.g. navigation instruments - prior to use in the maritime patrol and transport role by the Sqdn. New high tech equipment is used in maritime patrol - most important is the use of new digital photographic equipment, which plots the GPS coordinates and a date/time stamp of the subject photographed. This is a valuable asset in the fight against illegal fishing and the evidence collected in this way led to the first conviction before a Court of Law during 2001. For the first time a aircraft with very quiet engines and a high cruising speed is used. In all a big advantage. Another task of the TP-Dak is target towing. For this role a winch fitted in a streamlined pod is mounted under the fuselage. Through a small flap in the cargo floor, a crew member attaches the windsock shaped 'target' to the steel cable, while the aircraft is flying. By changing the pitch of the small prop on the front of the pod, the target can be winched to a safe distance behind the aircraft or winched back to the aircraft after the exercise.

Any of the transport TP-Daks may be used in this role and the ordinary colour scheme is used and not a high visibility scheme as used previously e.g. on the DC-3 "Dazzle Dak". The latest version of the TP-Dak is a dedicated EW/Elint platform. A number of antennas line the top and bottom of the aircraft. An example of this aircraft have appeared at TFDC Fly-In and also SAAF 80. But the SAAF remains tight lipped on all aspects of this variant of the aircraft!

The TP-Dak has rejuvenated the SAAF Dakota fleet, ensuring continued service well into the 21st Century. However, it might be optimistic to describe this upgrade as a ‘mid-life update’, as the Dakota entered SAAF service in 1943! The upgrade was a huge success not only as a new aircraft, but also in demonstrating what the technical capability of the SAAF could achieve despite financial constraints. Today, all ‘Turbo Daks’ are with 35 Sqdn and serve in a variety of roles such as maritime patrol, VIP transport, and a undisclosed number are modified as EW/Elint platforms.

70 Years of Dakota Excellence:

During 2005, 35 Squadron celebrates: 70 Years of Dakota Excellence and the 60th anniversary of 35 Squadron. Two TP-Daks, no 6825 and 6852 have the special markings applied to the aircraft. Both aircraft is painted in the new grey scheme which is being phased into the TP-Dak maritime fleet. The markings are not painted onto the aircraft, but applied as a vinyl type transfer. This is almost similar as decalling in scale modelling. The special markings are applied to both sides of the fuselage on both aircraft. Indeed "Timeless Air Power".