Nothing like the Dakota

The Douglas DC-3 Dakota is a revolutionary American twin-engine transport aircraft. First flown in 1935, it is considered one of the most successful and reliable aircraft in history. It served as a leading airliner in the 1930s and as a primary military transport for the Allies during World War II. The Dakota is regarded as an 'aviation marvel' and played a crucial role in the Allied victory; General Eisenhower even listed it among the four weapons that contributed most to winning the war. In the Israeli Air Force, it served for 52 years before being retired in 2001