C-124 Globemaster II
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The Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, nicknamed Old Shakey, was a heavy-lift cargo aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company in Long Beach, 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, Antarctica, 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Most were passed to the Air National Guard by 1970 and all were withdrawn from service by 1974.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 preserved aircraft is at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. This aircraft is stored indoors with the clamshell doors open, allowing visitors to go inside. Others are at the Air Mobilty Command Musem at Dover Air Force Base near Dover, Delaware the Pima Air Museum in Tucson, Arizona and McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington.
Specifications (C-124 Globemaster II)
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