Douglas DC-3A-456 R4D-5

Douglas DC-3A-456 R4D-5

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02/28/2008. This aircraft was produced as a C-47A-20-DL with the USAAF s/n 42-23496 and when finished immediately transferred to the USN as a R4D-5 with BuNo. 12418, on April 8, 1943. Stored in 1948, in 1955 it was assigned to VX-6 (Air Development Squadron 6) "Puckered Penguins" for use in the "Operation Deep Freeze", and named Que Sera Sera (whatever will be will be). Piloted by Lieutenant-Commander Conrad "Gus" Shinn and Captain William "Trigger" Hawkins this aircraft was the first to land at the South Pole on October 31, 1956.

In December 1958 it was presented to the Smithsonian, on loan it is displayed at the National Museum of Naval Aviation.


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02/28/2008. This aircraft was produced as a C-47A-20-DL with the USAAF s/n 42-23496 and when finished immediately transferred to the USN as a R4D-5 with BuNo. 12418, on April 8, 1943. Stored in 1948, in 1955 it was assigned to VX-6 (Air Development Squadron 6) "Puckered Penguins" for use in the "Operation Deep Freeze", and named Que Sera Sera (whatever will be will be). Piloted by Lieutenant-Commander Conrad "Gus" Shinn and Captain William "Trigger" Hawkins this aircraft was the first to land at the South Pole on October 31, 1956. In December 1958 it was presented to the Smithsonian, on loan it is displayed at the National Museum of Naval Aviation.