A very rare bird

[ozzy72]

I believe this is currently the only flying Li-2 in the world, one is under restoration in the Czech Rep. at the moment and the Malev one has just had its tail done and they're starting on the engines....

[Ivan]

HA-LIX is at the moment the only flying one... and the only open cowl version flying (RA-0014 was a closed cowl one)

[ozzy72]

Thanks Ivan, I wasn't certain. I know that the other Li-2 (the Malev one) is open cowl, not sure about the Czech one....

[Ivan]

HA-LIX is open cowl (first series PS-84 or export)
RA-1300K is closed cowl domestic Li-2
Czech one... don't know the reg, but if you have photos... dark shadow at the engine front is open cowl, light or no shadow is closed one

[ozzy72]

I'll find a link for you of her rebuild

[Hai Perso Coyone?]

Yes, I am familiar with that plane!! The DC-3 apparently ripped this design (not my opinion, but blame Discovery Channel for this info in case I am wrong)

[ozzy72]

Actually the Soviets got some DC-3s and cloned it
Found a link for the HA-LIX whilst she was under restoration, http://www.douglasdc3.com/li2/li2.htm

[|| Andy ||]

Very smart of them..  ;)

Still being used today  :o

[Felix/FFDS]

Yes, I am familiar with that plane!! The DC-3 apparently ripped this design (not my opinion, but blame Discovery Channel for this info in case I am wrong)

Woozy - not quite.  As Ozzy indicates, the DC.3 came first.

Actually, Douglas did a bit of licensing.  The DC.2 and DC.3 went to Japan  (Dc.3 built by Mitsubishi.) and the Soveits licened the DC.3.  In each case, there were variations that made the different versions unique.

In the Li-2 case, the main paratrooper version was equipped with gun ports, and in many, a manned turrent for a mg.  Oh, and in addition to  the full complement of troops, it could carry about 4000 lbs of bombs.

Quite a versatile aircraft!

[C]

Yes, I am familiar with that plane!! The DC-3 apparently ripped this design (not my opinion, but blame Discovery Channel for this info in case I am wrong)

Mmm, interesting. Look at the DC-1 and DC-2 and you'll see where the DC-3 came from...

[ozzy72]

I forgot that my favourite Spitfire designer made an Li-2 model for CFS2.... wanna guess who?

[Ivan]

Is that an original one or is it the modded AI dc-3 with disappearing turret

[ozzy72]

An original, Paul Rebuffat

[Ivan]

OK, does it have a gun turret and where can i find it.

[Hagar]

An original, Paul Rebuffat

Are you sure? I thought he repainted the CFS2 default C-47.

PS. Very nice photos. BTW