Dakota VT-CYT at BITS Pilani
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| Douglas Dakota VT-CYT
of the Birla foundation on display at BITS. The aircraft is in good condition and is well
preserved. The undercarriage raised on specially built stilts to look after the tyres. |
Pilani is the place for the Birla
Institute of Science and Technology, or BITS as it is more famously known in India.
It is one of most premier Engineering institutes in India. The Birla Industrial group has
invested a lot in this place, also maintaining a Science and Technology Museum here.
Outside the museum on display is a Douglas
Dakota C-47 [VT-CYT]. VT-CYT is one of the aircraft used by Birla
Industries - and finally retired for preservation at the BITS. Its the third Dakota
preserved by the Birlas at locations where they have an industrial presence. The other two
are at Dharmasthala and Birlagram.
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The Engine cowlings are covered
by steel mesh to prevent them becoming magnets for debris from locals.. |
| The rear fuselage on the port
side gives some background on the aircraft. |
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The aircraft has been well maintained by
the Birla foundation. Special care has been taken to make sure it has a long life even
though displayed outside. The wheels are raised and supported by stilts to prevent the
tyres from collapsing. The Engine cowlings are covered in steel mesh to keep off trash and
debris.
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The rear three quarter view of
the Dakota shows the VIP Window. |
The aircraft seems to have undergone one
modification in its service. The last two windows on the starboard side of the aircraft
had been joined together by cutting the fuselage section in between them. The 'long
window' would now provide a better view for the VIP passengers travelling in the aircraft.
A Placard at the aircraft claims that none other than Sri GD Birla used this aircraft as
his personal transport. No wonder that VT-CYT takes place of pride of all the three Birla
Dakotas in existence.
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Placard in between the engines
states that the aircraft belongs to Sri GD Birla |
| Another view of the Dakota
infront of the BITS Pilani Museum. |
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VT-CYT started out its life on 30 Mar 45 in
the US as 44-76660 of the United States Army Air Force (c/n 16244/32992).
The aircraft was acquired from surplus stocks by the Maharaja of Patiala for some
time before being sold off to Bharat Industries. It came under the Birla's Gwalior
Rayon Silk Mfg and Wiring co in late 68 and stayed on with them till its retirement.
All
photographs courtesy of Hari Charan Sammeta
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