FS2004 DHL Douglas DC-3 G-DDHL

This custom cargo repaint applies a DHL-inspired livery to the classic Douglas DC-3 featured in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. Developed by Ben Remy, the texture set is entirely fictitious yet thoughtfully designed for aviators who admire historic aircraft. It retains the timeless appeal of the DC-3’s airframe while adding the distinctive colors of a renowned logistics carrier.

Focused Visual Design With Cargo Flair

In this repaint, the fuselage is decorated in a bright, cargo-focused color scheme that pays homage to DHL’s recognizable brand identity. Although the real-world DC-3 never officially flew for DHL, this reimagined texture highlights the popular cargo company’s livery on a famed twin-engine propeller plane. Enthusiasts will notice attention to detail, such as the alignment of logos along the fuselage and tail fin, ensuring an immersive exterior view.

Key Historical Features Of The DC-3

The Douglas DC-3 is celebrated for its important role in pioneering commercial air travel during the mid-20th century. It introduced improved cabin amenities, such as heated compartments and running water for onboard lavatories, which were revolutionary at the time. The design efficiently balanced passenger capacity, range, and speed, resulting in a highly profitable aircraft for early airlines. Today, some DC-3 units remain in service with specialized cargo and charter operators, underscoring the type’s enduring legacy.

Textures And Configuration Files

This repaint provides a dedicated texture=dhl folder designed for the default Douglas DC-3 model found in the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 installation. It modifies only the external paintwork, so no additional interior or cockpit elements are changed. To successfully use this freeware repaint, you must already have the base DC-3 model available (included with the simulator or downloadable from the Fly Away Simulation mod library if needed). The following entry must be included in your AIRCRAFT.CFG file:

[fltsim.xx]
title=Douglas DC3 DHL
sim=Douglas_DC3
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=dhl
kb_checklists=Douglas_DC3_check
kb_reference=Douglas_DC3_ref
atc_id=G-DDHL
atc_id_color=0xffffffff
ui_manufacturer=Douglas
ui_type=DC-3
ui_variation=DHL
description=The Douglas DC-3 revolutionized air transportation and airline service during the 1930s and 1940s. It was a luxury airliner that boasted cabin heat and running water in its on-board lavatory. With the right balance of efficiency, range, speed, and payload, the DC-3 was the first aircraft to earn a profit for its owners just by carrying passengers. The hero of early airlines, a handful of DC-3s are still at work today. Fictional DHL repaint by Ben Remy.
atc_airline=DHL
atc_flight_number=1123

Installation Steps

• Copy the [fltsim.xx] block above into your AIRCRAFT.CFG file, replacing “xx” with the next sequential number in that file.
• Extract the new “dhl” texture folder into the aircraft’s main directory where the default DC-3 textures are stored.
• Verify that the title= line does not conflict with existing entries within your configuration.

Combining Historic Aviation With Modern Cargo Themes

Though based on an imaginary premise, this repaint delivers a retro-driven aesthetic combined with a contemporary shipping provider. It allows virtual flyers to experience a heritage airliner in operational cargo flights around the globe. Thanks to Ben Remy for creating this freeware texture set, which seamlessly blends a classic airplane’s profile with a well-known corporate scheme.

Note that the base aircraft model is not included in this download. It can be accessed through the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 default installation or obtained from the Fly Away Simulation library if you require a fresh copy.