-------------------- Translate text "Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end" Stephen Hawking (quoting Woody Allen) "There are all kinds of interesting questions that come from a knowledge of science, which only adds to the excitement and mystery and awe of a flower." Richard Feynman
Iraq war and occupation costs
It is most likely a Beechcraft Model 18 or a variant. They are often mistaken for DC-3'sat this resolution because of of a similar wing shape, but they are much smaller and do look much different up close.
-------------------- Translate text "Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end" Stephen Hawking (quoting Woody Allen) "There are all kinds of interesting questions that come from a knowledge of science, which only adds to the excitement and mystery and awe of a flower." Richard Feynman
Iraq war and occupation costs
Lisunov Li-2 originally designated PS-84 (NATO reporting name Cab), was a license-built version of the Douglas DC-3, produced by the GAZ-84 works near Moscow, and subsequently at GAZ-34 in Tashkent. The project was directed by aeronautical engineer Boris Pavlovich Lisunov. An original Li-2 can be identified by the 4-bladed ASh-62IR propellers, although many later Li-2's appear with three-bladed props.[3] Unlike the DC-3, military versions of the Li-2 also had bomb racks and a dorsal turret. Wikipedia
At the Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War
Douglas Dakota VT-CYT of the Birla foundation on display at BITS. The aircraft is in good condition and is well preserved. The undercarriage raised on specially built stilts to look after the tyres.
Pilani is the place for the Birla Institute of Science and Technology, or BITS as it is more famously known in India. It is one of most premier Engineering institutes in India. The Birla Industrial group has invested a lot in this place, also maintaining a Science and Technology Museum here.
Outside the museum on display is a Douglas Dakota C-47 [VT-CYT]. VT-CYT is one of the aircraft used by Birla Industries - and finally retired for preservation at the BITS. Its the third Dakota preserved by the Birlas at locations where they have an industrial presence. The other two are at Dharmasthala and Birlagram.
The Engine cowlings are covered by steel mesh to prevent them becoming magnets for debris from locals.. The rear fuselage on the port side gives some background on the aircraft.
The aircraft has been well maintained by the Birla foundation. Special care has been taken to make sure it has a long life even though displayed outside. The wheels are raised and supported by stilts to prevent the tyres from collapsing. The Engine cowlings are covered in steel mesh to keep off trash and debris.
The rear three quarter view of the Dakota shows the VIP Window.
The aircraft seems to have undergone one modification in its service. The last two windows on the starboard side of the aircraft had been joined together by cutting the fuselage section in between them. The 'long window' would now provide a better view for the VIP passengers travelling in the aircraft. A Placard at the aircraft claims that none other than Sri GD Birla used this aircraft as his personal transport. No wonder that VT-CYT takes place of pride of all the three Birla Dakotas in existence.
Placard in between the engines states that the aircraft belongs to Sri GD Birla Another view of the Dakota infront of the BITS Pilani Museum.
VT-CYT started out its life on 30 Mar 45 in the US as 44-76660 of the United States Army Air Force (c/n 16244/32992). The aircraft was acquired from surplus stocks by the Maharaja of Patiala for some time before being sold off to Bharat Industries. It came under the Birla's Gwalior Rayon Silk Mfg and Wiring co in late 68 and stayed on with them till its retirement
-------------------- Before I looked up and imagined emptiness now I look up and Imagine people staring down at me with little yellow pushpins! ~Josie~
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
[Re: 
View in Google Earth
View in Google Maps
Edit
Reply
Quote
