Years In Service: 1941-1968
Initial Flight: March 1940
The Curtiss C-46 Commando is a transport aircraft derived from the Curtiss CW-20 pressurized high-altitude airliner design. After the Japanese closed the Burma Road, the aircraft transported cargo over the Himalayas between India and China. In Europe, C-46s dropped paratroopers during the aerial crossing of the Rhine River near Wesel in March 1945. C-46s also saw additional service during the Korean War.
Aircraft Specifications
Height: 21′ 8″ Wingspan: 108′ Length: 76′ 4″ Crew: 4 Payload: 15,000 lbs. of cargo No. of Engines: 2 Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-2800-51 Double Wasp 18-cylinder radial Horsepower: 2,000 hp. driving four-bladed propellers Cruise speed: 175 mph Max Speed: 245 mph Ceiling: 27,600 ft.