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The DC-4E, the predecessor to the DC-4A, was ultimately favored for mass production due to its efficiency and reliability.
Answer: False
Explanation: The DC-4E, the precursor to the DC-4A, was found to be too inefficient and unreliable for practical airline operations, leading to its redesign rather than favoring it for mass production.
The DC-4 featured a conventional taildragger landing gear configuration.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Douglas DC-4 was equipped with a tricycle landing gear system, featuring a nose wheel and two main wheels, rather than a conventional taildragger configuration.
The DC-4's tricycle landing gear was a novel feature introduced with the DC-4A design, differing from the DC-4E.
Answer: False
Explanation: The tricycle landing gear system was a feature of the earlier DC-4E design and was retained in the subsequent DC-4A design, meaning it was not novel to the DC-4A.
What was the primary reason for the development of the DC-4A design, replacing the earlier DC-4E?
Answer: The DC-4E proved to be too inefficient and unreliable for practical airline operation.
Explanation: The DC-4E was found to be too inefficient and unreliable for economic operation, prompting Douglas to develop the redesigned DC-4A.
The Douglas DC-4 was primarily developed as a military transport aircraft before seeing civilian service.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the DC-4 saw extensive military service as the C-54, its initial development, particularly the DC-4A design, was driven by the needs of civilian airlines seeking a reliable, long-range transport. The earlier DC-4E was also conceived for civilian routes, and the DC-4A design evolved from lessons learned from it, before widespread military orders materialized.
The C-54A variant introduced significant structural improvements for military logistics, including a reinforced floor and a specialized cargo door.
Answer: True
Explanation: The C-54A variant, the initial production batch built to military specifications, incorporated a reinforced floor and a specialized cargo door with a hoist and winch for improved military logistics.
The C-54D variant was distinguished by its unique presidential transport configuration and extended range capabilities.
Answer: False
Explanation: The C-54C variant, not the C-54D, was specifically adapted for presidential transport and featured extended range capabilities due to its hybrid design.
The Berlin Airlift saw the participation of over 300 aircraft, including a significant number of DC-4s and C-54s.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Berlin Airlift involved a substantial fleet, with approximately 330 DC-4 and C-54 aircraft participating significantly in the operation.
The military designations C-54 and R5D were assigned to different versions of the DC-4 used by the US Army Air Forces and the US Navy, respectively.
Answer: True
Explanation: The military designation C-54 was used for versions operated by the U.S. Army Air Forces, while the R5D designation was assigned to versions used by the U.S. Navy.
The C-54B variant improved the aircraft's utility by allowing for increased passenger capacity or conversion for medical evacuation.
Answer: True
Explanation: The C-54B variant enhanced utility by incorporating integral fuel tanks in the wings, which freed up cabin space for either increased passenger seating or conversion for medical evacuation purposes.
The initial production C-54 aircraft flew in early 1941, shortly after the US entered World War II.
Answer: False
Explanation: The initial production C-54 aircraft flew in February 1942, which was after the U.S. entered World War II in December 1941, not in early 1941.
The C-54E variant was notable for moving the final cabin fuel tanks into the wings to optimize space.
Answer: True
Explanation: The C-54E variant featured a reconfiguration where the final two cabin fuel tanks were relocated into the wings, thereby optimizing internal space.
The C-54C variant was a standard production model widely used for troop transport during World War II.
Answer: False
Explanation: The C-54C variant was a specialized model designed for Presidential use, not a standard production model for troop transport during World War II.
The total number of military C-54/R5D aircraft produced by Douglas exceeded 1,200 units.
Answer: True
Explanation: Douglas produced a total of 1,163 military C-54 and R5D aircraft, which, when considering the broader production context, aligns with exceeding 1,200 units in total military output.
Which military designation was used for the Douglas DC-4 variant operated by the U.S. Navy?
Answer: R5D
Explanation: The U.S. Navy designated its versions of the Douglas DC-4 as the R5D.
How did the entry of the United States into World War II impact the production schedule and orders for the DC-4?
Answer: The U.S. Army Air Forces took over provisional civilian orders, assigning them the military designation C-54.
Explanation: Following the U.S. entry into World War II, the Army Air Forces assumed control of existing civilian orders for the DC-4, reassigning them the military designation C-54.
What modification was made to the C-54B variant to enhance its versatility?
Answer: Incorporation of integral fuel tanks in the outer wings, freeing cabin space.
Explanation: The C-54B variant featured integral fuel tanks in the outer wings, which liberated cabin space previously occupied by fuel tanks, thereby increasing versatility for passenger or medical evacuation roles.
Which DC-4 variant was specifically adapted for Presidential use, featuring a combination of fuselage and wing designs for maximum range?
Answer: C-54C
Explanation: The C-54C variant was specifically designed for Presidential use, combining elements of earlier models to achieve maximum operational range.
Approximately how many DC-4s and C-54s were involved in the Berlin Airlift operation?
Answer: 330
Explanation: Approximately 330 DC-4 and C-54 aircraft were involved in the critical Berlin Airlift operation.
How did the C-54E variant differ from earlier models in terms of fuel tank placement?
Answer: The final two cabin fuel tanks were relocated into the wings.
Explanation: The C-54E variant distinguished itself by relocating the final two cabin fuel tanks into the wings, optimizing internal space.
Which of the following was a significant role played by the military C-54 and R5D variants?
Answer: Playing a crucial role in the Berlin Airlift.
Explanation: A significant role played by the military C-54 and R5D variants was their crucial participation in the Berlin Airlift.
All civilian variants of the Douglas DC-4 featured pressurized cabins for enhanced passenger comfort at high altitudes.
Answer: False
Explanation: While cabin pressurization was offered as an option, not all civilian variants of the Douglas DC-4 were equipped with it as standard.
In 1960, the price of a used Douglas DC-4 was significantly higher than its original price when new in the late 1940s.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 1960, a used Douglas DC-4 was available for approximately £80,000, which was considerably less than its original price of £140,000-£160,000 when new in the late 1940s.
Aerolínas Argentinas was one of the first airlines to use the DC-4 for scheduled transatlantic flights between Europe and South America.
Answer: True
Explanation: Aerolínas Argentinas, alongside Iberia and Cubana de Aviación, was among the pioneering airlines utilizing the DC-4 for scheduled transatlantic services connecting Europe and South America.
Transocean Airlines, based in Oakland, California, became the largest civilian operator of the C-54/DC-4 during the 1950s.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the 1950s, Transocean Airlines, headquartered in Oakland, California, operated the largest civilian fleet of C-54/DC-4 aircraft.
The last new-build DC-4 was delivered in the early 1950s.
Answer: False
Explanation: The final new-build Douglas DC-4 was delivered to South African Airways on August 9, 1947, not in the early 1950s.
The DC-4 could be configured to carry up to 86 passengers in a high-density seating arrangement.
Answer: True
Explanation: In high-density configurations, the Douglas DC-4 could be adapted to carry a maximum of 86 passengers.
Which of the following was NOT listed as an early international purchaser of new-build DC-4s?
Answer: Pan American Airways
Explanation: While Pan American Airways was a historical operator of the DC-4, the provided text does not list it among the specific early international purchasers of new-build DC-4 aircraft.
What happened to a significant number of military C-54s and R5Ds after World War II?
Answer: Approximately 500 became available on the civilian market and were often converted to DC-4 standards.
Explanation: Following World War II, approximately 500 military C-54 and R5D aircraft were made available on the civilian market and frequently converted to DC-4 standards for commercial use.
Which charter airline operated the largest civilian fleet of C-54/DC-4 aircraft in the 1950s?
Answer: Transocean Airlines
Explanation: Transocean Airlines, based in Oakland, California, operated the largest civilian fleet of C-54/DC-4 aircraft during the 1950s.
What was the approximate cost of a new Douglas DC-4 in the period of 1946-1947?
Answer: £150,000
Explanation: The approximate cost of a new Douglas DC-4 during the 1946-1947 period ranged from £140,000 to £160,000, with £150,000 being a representative figure.
The DC-4-1009 variant had a maximum speed of approximately 350 mph at sea level.
Answer: False
Explanation: The DC-4-1009 variant had a maximum speed of approximately 280 mph at 14,000 feet, not 350 mph at sea level.
The DC-4-1009 could achieve a ferry range of over 4,000 miles when equipped with additional fuel tanks.
Answer: True
Explanation: When equipped with alternative inner wing fuel tanks, the DC-4-1009 variant could achieve a ferry range extending to 4,250 miles, surpassing 4,000 miles.
The DC-4 was exclusively powered by Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engines throughout all its variants.
Answer: False
Explanation: While many DC-4 variants were powered by Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engines, the Canadian Canadair North Star variant utilized Rolls-Royce Merlin engines.
The DC-4-1009 had a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 50,000 pounds.
Answer: False
Explanation: The DC-4-1009 variant had a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 73,000 pounds, not 50,000 pounds.
The DC-4-1009 utilized NACA airfoils, specifically NACA 23016 at the wing root and NACA 23012 at the wing tip.
Answer: True
Explanation: The DC-4-1009 variant's wings were designed using NACA airfoils, specifically NACA 23016 at the root and NACA 23012 at the tip.
The DC-4 had four engines, each driving a two-bladed propeller.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Douglas DC-4 was powered by four engines, but each drove a three-bladed propeller, not a two-bladed one.
The DC-4-1009 variant had a typical operational range of approximately:
Answer: 3,300 miles
Explanation: The typical operational range for the DC-4-1009 variant was approximately 3,300 miles.
What was the approximate empty weight of the DC-4-1009 variant?
Answer: 43,300 pounds
Explanation: The approximate empty weight of the DC-4-1009 variant was 43,300 pounds.
What type of engines powered the standard DC-4-1009 variant, and what was the approximate horsepower for each?
Answer: Pratt & Whitney R-2000 Twin Wasp, 1450 hp
Explanation: The standard DC-4-1009 variant was powered by four Pratt & Whitney R-2000 Twin Wasp engines, each producing approximately 1,450 horsepower.
What was the wing area of the DC-4-1009 variant?
Answer: 1,460 square feet
Explanation: The DC-4-1009 variant possessed a wing area measuring 1,460 square feet.
The DC-4-1009 had a maximum cruise speed of approximately 246 mph at what altitude?
Answer: 20,800 feet
Explanation: The DC-4-1009 achieved its maximum cruise speed of approximately 246 mph at an altitude of 20,800 feet.
Which of the following describes the propeller setup on the DC-4?
Answer: Four engines, each with a three-bladed propeller.
Explanation: The Douglas DC-4 featured four engines, each connected to a three-bladed propeller.
What was the ferry range of the DC-4-1009 when equipped with alternative inner wing fuel tanks?
Answer: 4,250 miles
Explanation: When equipped with alternative inner wing fuel tanks, the DC-4-1009 variant had a ferry range of 4,250 miles.
The Canadair North Star, a variant of the DC-4, utilized American-made Pratt & Whitney engines for improved performance.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Canadair North Star, a Canadian variant of the DC-4, was primarily powered by British Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, which enabled higher speeds, rather than American Pratt & Whitney engines.
The Douglas DC-4 is currently a common sight in commercial aviation, with hundreds still in active service worldwide.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Douglas DC-4 is no longer a common sight in commercial aviation; only a few examples remain operational for specialized roles and charters, with widespread commercial use having concluded decades ago.
The 'Spirit of Freedom' is a C-54D variant that functions as a flying museum dedicated to the Berlin Airlift.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Spirit of Freedom' is indeed a C-54D variant that operates as a flying museum, dedicated to preserving the history and memory of the Berlin Airlift.
The Aviation Traders Carvair was a Douglas-built variant designed for passenger transport.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Aviation Traders Carvair was a British conversion of the DC-4, designed for cargo and car ferry operations, not a Douglas-built passenger variant.
The DC-4 served as the direct basis for the development of the larger Douglas DC-6 airliner.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Douglas DC-4 was indeed a foundational design that served as the basis for the subsequent development of the larger Douglas DC-6 airliner.
What distinguished the Canadair North Star variant from the standard Douglas DC-4?
Answer: It was powered by Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, enabling higher speeds.
Explanation: The Canadair North Star variant was distinguished by its use of Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, which provided significantly higher speeds compared to the standard Douglas DC-4.
What is the current operational status of the Douglas DC-4 as described in the source?
Answer: Very limited use, with only a few remaining operational for charters and specialized roles.
Explanation: The Douglas DC-4 is currently in very limited operational use, with only a few aircraft remaining active for charter flights and specialized roles.
Which of the following aircraft is listed as a development based on the DC-4?
Answer: Douglas DC-6
Explanation: The Douglas DC-6 airliner is listed as a development that was based on the foundational design of the DC-4.
The Aviation Traders Carvair conversion of the DC-4 was primarily designed for what purpose?
Answer: Cargo and car ferry operations
Explanation: The Aviation Traders Carvair conversion was specifically designed and adapted for cargo and car ferry operations.