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| Douglas C-124 Globemaster II |
|---|
Douglas C-124 Globemaster II |
| Description |
|---|
| Role | Heavy transport |
| Crew | Six |
| Maker | Douglas Aircraft Company |
| Dimensions |
|---|
| Length | 130 ft | 40 m |
| Wingspan | 174 ft 1 in | 53 m |
| Height | 48 ft 4 in | 14.7 m |
| Wing area | ft² | m² |
| Weights |
|---|
| Empty | 100,000 lb | 46,000 kg |
| Loaded | 195,000 lb | 88,000 kg |
| Maximum take-off | 216,000 lb | 98,000 kg |
| Powerplant |
|---|
| Engines | 4 × Pratt & Whitney R4360 Wasp Major |
| Power | 3800 hp each | 2,800 kW each |
| Performance |
|---|
| Maximum speed | 320 mph | 515 km/h |
| Combat range | 2,175 miles | 3,500 km |
| Ferry range | miles | km |
| Service ceiling | 34,000 ft | 10,400 m |
| Rate of climb | ft/min | m/min |
The Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, nicknamed Old Shakey, was a heavy-lift cargo aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica, California. Developed from a prototype created from the WWII-design Douglas C-74 Globemaster based on lessons learned in the Berlin Airlift, the C-124 featured large clamshell doors and a hydraulically-actuated ramp in the nose and a cargo elevator under the aft fuselage. The 77 ft (23.5 m) cargo bay featured two overhead hoists, each capable of lifting 16,000 lb (7,000 kg). As a cargo hauler, it could carry tanks, guns, trucks and other heavy equipment, while in its passenger-carrying role it could carry 200 fully equipped troops on its double decks or 127 litter patients and their attendants. It was the only aircraft of its time capable of transporting heavy equipment such as tanks and bulldozers without prior disassembly.
First flying in 1949, deliveries of 448 production aircraft began in 1950 and continued until 1955. They performed heavy lift cargo operations for the US military worldwide, including Southeast Asia, Antartica, Africa and elsewhere, including much service in the Vietnam War.
Most were passed to the Air National Guard by 1970 and all were withdrawn from service by 1974.
One aircraft is at the USAF Museum.
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