FS2004 Trans World Airlines Douglas DC-4 NC45344

From 1946 to 1953 TWA used fourteen DC-4 / C-54 aircraft. This is an update (version 5) of the FSDS2/FS2004 DC4 from FS-Design Berlin. Improvements include mobile taxilights, landing and taxilights can be seen in the panel/VC view now, shiny effects at fuselage and wings. All former FS04 textures (AP.6.6a - AP 6.6s) can be used with this model. Livery painting by Dale DeLuca. Base design and textures by Arik Hohmeyer, complete design rework and update 5 by Chris Grabow (FS-Design Berlin).

The Douglas C-54/DC-4 was developed under the darkening clouds of World War 2, and upon USA's entry into the war all DC-4s then on the production line were requisitioned for the US military. The result was that the 1st DC-4 off the production line flew in 1942 wearing olive drab camoflage as the C-54 Skymaster.The C-54 admirably fitted into the USAAF's long range transport role and 1162 were built through the war years.

Post war many surplus C-54s were available for airliner conversion. The type initially formed the mainstay of most long haul passenger carriers. An additional 78 additional DC-4s were produced by Douglas to new orders. Eventually the type was replaced by faster, pressurized DC-6s and Constellations. DC-4s eventually filtered down to third level operators and freight operators.

Notable developments of the DC-4 include Aviation Trader's much modified Carvair freighter while Canadair built a number with RollsRoyce Merlin engines and pressurized fuselages. The DC-4 also formed the basis for the larger DC-6 and DC-7. The C-54/DC-4 was the first airliner to introduce a circular section, constant diameter fuselage which made stretching the basic aircraft relatively simple).

The C-54 was the workhorse of the Berlin Airlift 1948-49. More than 240 C-54 of the U.S. forces came here to use.

Powerplants:
Four 1080kW (1450shp) Pratt & Whitney R20002SDBG Twin Wasp 14 cylinder twin row radial piston engines driving three blade constant speed propellers.

Performance:
Max speed 451km/h (244kt), cruising speed 365km/h (197kt). Service ceiling 22,300ft. Range with a 5200kg (11,440lb) payload 4023km (2172nm).

Weights:
Empty 19,460kg (43,300lb), max takeoff 33,112kg (73,000lb).

Dimensions:
Wing span 35.81m (117ft 6in), length 28.60m (93ft10in), height 8.38m (27ft 6in). Wing area 135.6m2 (1460sq ft).

Production:
Total DC-4 production comprised one DC-4E, 78 commercial DC-4s, 1162 military C54 Skymasters and 42 Canadair developed Merlin powered derivatives. Almost 80
remain in commercial service, most as freighters.