Years In Service: 1956-1995
Initial Flight: October 14, 1949
The Provider was a short-range assault transport used for airlifting troops and cargo to and from small, unprepared airstrips. The rugged C-123 became an essential part of the U.S. Air Force airlift during the Southeast Asia War, where it flew primarily as an in-theater airlifter and a Ranch Hand sprayer. As the war in Southeast Asia wound down, the U. S. transferred some of its Providers to the South Vietnamese Air Force and the Royal Thai Air Force.
Aircraft Specifications
Height: 34′ 6″ Wingspan: 110′ Length: 76′ 3″ Crew: 3-4 Payload: 60 fully equipped troops, 50 stretcher patients, or 24,000 lbs. of cargo No. of Engines: 4 Horsepower: 2,500 hp. Thrust: 2,850 lbs. Cruise speed: 170 mph Max Speed: 240 mph Ceiling: 28,000 ft.