Although the Dakota is probably best known for its wartime role in flying supplies over 'The Hump" to China, it was the first aircraft to be used in The Berlin Airlift which began on 21 June 1948. This defeated the blockade which the USSR imposed upon the three Western sectors of the city. For political purposes, the Russians had suspended all traffic by road and rail between Berlin and the west. Ground Control Approach (GCA) and Blind Approach Beam Systems (BABS) were the only poor weather landing aids available a that time.

Recommended Reading Berlin Airlift By Arthur Pearcy The Berlin Airlift By Ann & John Tusa 60 Years and Counting By Scott A. Thompson & Nicholas A. Veronico

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