E-Book Curtiss C-46 Commando

Curtiss C-46 Commando 1

Curtiss C-46 Commando

C-46 Commando

Wartime photo, USAAF

Role Military transport aircraft

National origin United States

Manufacturer Curtiss-Wright Corporation

Designer George A. Page Jr.

First flight 26 March 1940

Introduction 1941

Status Still in use

Primaryusers Buffalo Airways (as of 2013) United States Army AirForcesUnited States Marine CorpsUnited States Navy

Produced 19401945

Number built 3,181[1]

The Curtiss C-46 Commando is a transport aircraft originally derived from a commercial high-altitude airlinerdesign. It was instead used as a military transport during World War II by the United States Army Air Forces as wellas the U.S. Navy/Marine Corps under the designation R5C. Known to the men who flew them as "The Whale," the"Curtiss Calamity," [2] the "plumber's nightmare", and among ATC crews, the "flying coffin,"[3] the C-46 served asimilar role as its counterpart, the Douglas C-47 Skytrain, but was not as extensively produced. At the time of itsproduction, the C-46 was the largest twin-engine aircraft in the world, and the largest and heaviest twin-engineaircraft to see service in World War II.After World War II, a few surplus C-46 aircraft were briefly used in their original role as passenger airliners, but theglut of surplus C-47s dominated the marketplace with the C-46 soon relegated to primarily cargo duty. The typecontinued in U.S. Air Force service in a secondary role until 1968. However, the C-46 continues in operation as arugged cargo transport for Arctic and remote locations with its service life extended into the 21st century.[4]


Design and developmentThe prototype for what would become the C-46, the Curtiss CW-20, was designed in 1937 by George A. Page Jr.,the chief aircraft designer at Curtiss-Wright.[5] The CW-20 was intended as a private venture intended to introduce anew standard in pressurized airliners. The CW-20 had a patented fuselage conventionally referred to as a"figure-eight" (or "double-bubble"[6]) which enabled it to better withstand the pressure differential at high altitudes.This was done by having the sides of the fuselage creased at the level of the floor that not only separated the twoportions but shared in the stress of each, rather than just supporting itself. The main spar of the wing could passthrough the bottom section which was mainly intended for cargo without intruding on the passenger uppercompartment.[6] A decision to utilize a twin-engine design instead of a four-engine configuration was consideredviable if sufficiently powerful engines were available, allowing for lower operating costs and a less complexstructure.[7]

Engineering work involved a three-year commitment from the company and incorporated an extensive amount ofwind tunnel testing at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The resultant design was a large butaerodynamically "sleek" airliner, incorporating the cockpit in a streamlined glazed "dome". [8] The engines featured aunique nacelle "tunnel cowl" where air was ducted in and expelled through the bottom of the cowl, reducingturbulent airflow and induced drag across the upper wing surface.[6] After a mock-up was constructed in 1938,Curtiss-Wright exhibited the innovative project as a display in the 1939 New York World's Fair.[9]

Although the company had approached many airlines in order to obtain their requirements for an advanced airliner,no firm orders resulted, although 25 letters of intent were received, sufficient to undertake production.[9] The designof a 24-34 passenger airliner proceeded to prototype stage as the CW-20 at the St. Louis, Missouri facility with theinitial configuration featuring twin vertical tail surfaces. Powered by two 1,700 horsepower (1,300kW)R-2600-C14-BA2 Wright Twin Cyclones, the prototype, registered NX-19436 flew for the first time on 26 March1940 with test pilot Edmund T. "Eddie" Allen at the controls. After testing, modifications were instituted, includingthe fitting of a large single tail to improve stability at low speeds.[10][11]

The first prototype was purchased by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) to serve as a master for the seriesand was designated "C-55", but after military evaluation, the sole example was returned to Curtiss-Wright andsubsequently re-sold to the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC).[9] During testing, General Henry H."Hap" Arnold became interested in the potential of the airliner as a military cargo transport, and on 13 September1940, ordered 46 modified CW-20As as the C-46-CU Commando; the last 21 aircraft in this order were delivered asModel CW-20Bs, designated C-46A-1-CU. None of the first C-46s purchased by the U.S. military werepressurized.[12][13] The design was then modified to the C-46A configuration, receiving enlarged cargo doors, astrengthened load floor, and a convertible cabin that speeded changes in carrying freight and troops. The C-46 wasintroduced to the public at a ceremony in May 1942, attended by its designer, George A. Page Jr.[5]

A total of 200 C-46As in two initial batches were ordered.[2] At this time, one other important change was made;more powerful 2,000hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engines replaced the two Wright Twin Cyclones. Anumber of minor modifications, such as fuel system changes and fewer cabin windows were also adopted.[14]

Subsequent military contracts for the C-46A extended the production run to 1,454 examples, 40 of which weredestined for the U.S. Marine Corps, to be designated R5C-1. The military model was fitted with double cargo doors,a strengthened floor and hydraulically operated cargo handling winch; 40 folding seats were the sole passengeraccommodation for what was essentially a cargo hauler.[14] Tests indicated that the production C-46 was capable ofcarrying a substantial payload, and could fly well on one engine. When empty, the aircraft could even climb on oneengine at 200300ft per minute.The final large production run C-46D arrived in 194445, and featured single doors to facilitate paratroop drops; production totaled 1,430 aircraft.[14] Although a one-off XC-46B experimented with a stepped windscreen and uprated powerplants, a small run of 17 C-46Es had many of the same features as the XC-46B along with three-bladed Hamilton-Standard propellers replacing the standard Curtiss-Electric four-bladed units. A last contract


for 234 C-46Fs reverted to the earlier cockpit shape but introduced square wingtips. A sole C-46G had the steppedwindscreen and square wingtips but the end of the war resulted in the cancellation of any additional orders for thetype.[13]

Operational history

C-46 air evacuation from Manila, PhilippineIslands.

Pacific Theater

Most famous for its operations in the China-Burma-India theater (CBI)and the Far East, the Commando was a workhorse in flying over "TheHump" (as the Himalaya Mountains were nicknamed by Alliedairmen), transporting desperately needed supplies to troops in Chinafrom bases in India and Burma.[14] A variety of transports had beenemployed in the campaign, but only the C-46 was able to handle thewide range of adverse conditions encountered by the USAAF.Unpredictably violent weather, heavy cargo loads, high mountainterrain, and poorly-equipped and frequently flooded airfields proved aconsiderable challenge to the transport aircraft then in service, alongwith a host of engineering and maintenance nightmares due to ashortage of trained air and ground personnel.

After a series of mechanical gremlins were controlled, the C-46 proved its worth in the airlift operation in spite ofcontinuing maintenance headaches. It could carry more cargo higher than other Allied twin-engine transport aircraftin the theater, including light artillery, fuel, ammunition, parts of aircraft and, on occasion, livestock. Its powerfulengines enabled it to climb satisfactorily with heavy loads, staying aloft on one engine if not overloaded, though"war emergency" load limits of up to 40,000lbs often erased any safety margins. Nevertheless, after the troublesomeCurtiss-Electric electrically-controlled pitch mechanism on the propellers had been removed, the C-46 continued tobe employed in the CBI and over wide areas of southern China throughout the war years.[14]

The C-46's huge cargo capacity (twice that of the C-47), large cargo doors, powerful engines and long range alsomade it suitable for the vast distances of the Pacific island campaign. In particular, the U.S. Marines found theaircraft (known as the R5C) useful in their amphibious Pacific operations, flying supplies in and wounded soldiersout of numerous and hastily-built island landing strips.

EuropeAlthough not built in the same quantities as its more famous wartime compatriot, the C-47 Skytrain, the C-46nevertheless played a significant role in wartime operations, although the aircraft was not deployed in numbers to theEuropean theater until March 1945. It augmented USAAF Troop Carrier Command in time to drop paratroopers inan offensive to cross the Rhine River in Germany (Operation Varsity).So many C-46s were lost in the paratroop drop during Operation Varsity that Army general Matthew Ridgway famously issued an edict forbidding the aircraft's use in future airborne operations. Even though the war ended soon afterward and no further airborne missions were flown, the C-46 may well have been unfairly demonized. The operation's paratroop drop phase was flown in daylight at slow speeds at very low altitudes, by an unarmed cargo aircraft without self-sealing fuel tanks, over heavy concentrations of German 20mm, 37mm, and larger calibre antiaircraft (AA) cannon utilizing explosive, incendiary, and armor-piercing incendiary ammunition. By that stage of the war, German AA crews had trained to a high state of readiness; many batteries had considerable combat experience in firing on and destroying high speed, well-armed fighter and fighter-bomber aircraft while under fire themselves. Finally, while many if not all of the C-47s used in Operation Varsity had been retrofitted with


self-sealing fuel tanks,[15] the C-46s received no such modification. Although 19 of 72 C-46 aircraft were shot downduring Operation Varsity, it is not as well known that losses of other aircraft types from AA fire during the sameoperation were equally as intense, including 13 gliders shot down, 14 crashed, and 126 badly damaged; 15 B-24bombers shot down, and 104 badly damaged; 12 C-47s shot down, with 140 damaged.[16][17]

Despite its obvious and valuable utility, the C-46 remained a maintenance nightmare throughout its AAF career. Theofficial history of the Army Air Forces summarized its shortcomings:

But from first to last, the Commando remained a headache. It could be kept flying only at the cost ofthousands of extra man-hours for maintenance and modification. Although Curtiss-Wright reported theaccumulation by November 1943 of the astounding total of 721 required changes in production models,the plane continued to be what maintenance crews around the world aptly described as a "plumbersnightmare." Worse still, the plane was a killer. In the experienced hands of Eastern Air Lines and alonga route that provided more favorable flying conditions than were confronted by military crews in Africaand on the Hump route into China, the plane did well enough. Indeed, Eastern Air Lines lost only oneC-46 in more than two years of operation. But among the ATC pilots the Commando was known, withgood reason, as the "flying coffin." From May 1943 to March 1945, Air Transport Command receivedreports of thirty-one instances in which C-46s caught fire or exploded in the air. Still others were listedmerely as "missing in flight," and it is a safe assumption that many of these exploded, went down inflames, or crashed as the result of Vapor lock, carburetor icing, or other defects.[3]

During the war years, the C-46 was noted for an abnormal number of unexplained in-air explosions (31 betweenMay 1943 and May 1945) that were initially attributed to various causes. In particular, the fuel system, which wasquickly designed, then modified for the new, thirstier Pratt & Whitney engines, was criticized. The cause of theexplosions was eventually traced to pooled gasoline from small leaks in the tanks and fuel system, combined with aspark, usually originating from open-contact electrical components. Though many service aircraft suffered small fuelleaks in use, the C-46's wings were unvented; if a leak occurred, the gasoline had nowhere to drain, but rather pooledat the wing root. Any spark or fire could set off an explosion. After the war, all C-46 aircraft received a wing ventmodification to vent pooled gasoline, and an explosion-proof fuel booster pump was installed with shielded electricalselector switches in lieu of the open-contact type used originally.[18][19]

PostwarOverall, the C-46 had been successful in its primary role as a wartime cargo transport, and had benefited from aseries of improvements. Like the C-47/DC-3, the C-46 seemed destined for a useful career as a postwar civilianpassenger airliner, and was considered for that purpose by Eastern Airlines. However, the high operating costs of theC-46 (up to 50% greater than the C-47), soon caused most operators to change their minds. Consequently, mostpostwar C-46 operations were limited to commercial cargo transport, and then only for certain routes. One of theC-46's major drawbacks was the prodigious fuel consumption of its powerful 2,000hp engines, which used fuel at amuch higher rate than the C-47/DC-3. Maintenance was also more intensive and costlier.[14] Despite thesedisadvantages, surplus C-46s were used by some air carriers, including Capitol, Flying Tigers, Civil Air Transport(CAT) and World Airways to both carry cargo and passengers. Many other small carriers also eventually operatedthe type on both scheduled and non-scheduled routes. The C-46 became a common sight in South America, and waswidely used in Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Argentina and Chile, especially in mountainous areas (where a good climb rateand high service ceiling were required) or to overfly deep jungle terrain where ground transport was impracticable.C-46 Commandos also went back to war, serving in both Korea and Vietnam for various USAF operations, including resupply missions, paratroop drops, and clandestine agent transportation. The C-46 was not officially retired from service with the U.S. Air Force until 1968. The type also served under a U.S. civilian agency, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The C-46 played a supporting role in many clandestine operations during the late 1940s and early 1950s, including resupply efforts to Chiang Kai-Shek's troops battling Mao's Communists in China as well


as flying cargoes of military and medical supplies to French forces via Gialam Airfield in Hanoi and other bases inFrench Indochina. The CIA operated its own "airline" for these operations, Civil Air Transport (CAT), which waseventually renamed Air America in 1959. An Air America C-46 was the last fixed-wing aircraft flown out ofVietnam [Saigon] at the close of hostilities there. On 29 April 1975, Capt. E. G. Adams flew a 52-seat version, with152 people on board, to Bangkok, Thailand.[20] The C-46 was also employed in the abortive U.S.-supported Bay ofPigs invasion in 1961.Although their numbers gradually began to dwindle, C-46s continued to operate in remote locations, and could beseen in service from Canada and Alaska to Africa and South America. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, theCanadian airline Lamb Air operated several C-46s from their bases in Thompson and Churchill, Manitoba. One ofthe largest C-46 operators was Air Manitoba, whose fleet of aircraft featured gaudy color schemes for individualaircraft. In the 1990s, these aircraft were divested to other owner/operators.[21]

Between 1993 and 1995, Relief Air Transport operated three Canadian registered C-46s on Operation Lifeline Sudanfrom Lokichoggio, Kenya. These aircraft also transported humanitarian supplies to Goma, Zaire and Mogadishu,Somalia from their base in Nairobi, Kenya.Buffalo Airways currently owns and operates three C-46s, primarily used in Canada's Arctic. Their aircraft havebeen featured on the Ice Pilots NWT television show.[22]

Two C-46s, formerly owned and operated by Relief Air Transport in Africa, were operated as freighters for FirstNations Transportation in Gimli, Manitoba, but the airline has now ceased operations with one aircraft sold toBuffalo Airways and the other tied up in receivership.[23]

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force used the Commando until at least 1966, when they began development of theKawasaki C-1.[citation needed]

Prices for a used C-46 in 1960 ranged from 20,000 for a C-46F conversion, to 60,000 for a C-46R.[24]

Variants

"St. Louis", the BOAC CW-20A at Gibraltar,194142. Was previously C-55 with Curtiss and

USAAC, after conversion from twin-tail CW-20T

CW-20Original passenger airliner design.

CW-20TThe original passenger airliner prototype, fitted with adihedralled tailplane and endplate vertical tail fins, powered bytwo 1,700 hp (1,268 kW) Wright R-2600 Twin Cyclone radialpiston engines.

CW-20ACompany designation of the C-55.

CW-20BCompany designation of the C-46A.

CW-20B-1Company designation of the XC-46B.

CW-20B-2Company designation of the C-46D.

CW-20B-3Company designation of the C-46E.

CW-20B-4


C-46F "China Doll", Camarillo Airport Museum

Company designation of the C-46F.CW-20B-5

Company designation of the C-46G.CW-20E

Company designation of the AC-46K.CW-20G

Company designation of the XC-46C.

CW-20HCompany designation of the XC-46L.

C-55Modification to the original CW-20T prototype, tail redesigned with a large single vertical tail-fin and rudder,and a horizontal tailplane with no dihedral and other improvements, including a change to Pratt & WhitneyR-2800-5 radial engine. It was used as a C-46 military transport prototype aircraft, also designated XC-46.Later sold to BOAC

C-46 CommandoTwin engined military transport aircraft, powered by two 2,000 hp (1,491 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-2800-43radial piston engines.

C-46A CommandoTwin-engined military transport aircraft, powered by two 2,000 hp (1,419 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-2800-51radial piston engines, fitted with a large cargo door on the port side of the fuselage, equipped withstrengthened cargo floor, a hydraulic winch and folding seats for up to 40 troops.

CX-46B CommandoOne C-46A was converted into a test aircraft to evaluate a stepped windscreen design, it was powered by two2,100 hp (1,567 kW) H-2800-34W radial piston engines.

XC-46C CommandoLater redesignated XC-113.

C-46D CommandoTwin-engined personnel, paratroop transport aircraft, fitted with an extra door on the port side; 1,610 built.

C-46E CommandoTwin-engined utility transport aircraft, equipped with a large cargo door on the port side of the fuselage, fittedwith a stepped windscreen; 17 built.

C-46F CommandoTwin-engined cargo transport aircraft, equipped with cargo doors on both sides of the fuselage, fitted withsquare cut wingtips; 234 built.

C-46G CommandoThis one-off aircraft was fitted with a stepped windscreen and square wingtips, one built.

C-46HC-46J


AC-46K CommandoUnbuilt version, intended to be powered by two 2,500 hp (1865-kW) Wright R-3350-BD radial piston engines.

XC-46KXC-46L

In 1945 three C-46s were fitted with Wright R-3350 radial piston engines.

The XC-113

XC-113Engine change: One C-46G, s/n 44-78945, was converted into anengine testbed, the aircraft was fitted with a General Electric T31turboprop in place of right hand side R-2800. The aircrafthandled so poorly on the ground that it was never flown.

R5C-1Twin-engined military transport aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps. Similar to the C-46A Commando; 160built.

Operators

Military Operators

Curtiss C-46 "Commando" in flight

Argentina Argentine Air Force - Two aircraft.

Bolivia Bolivian Air Force Transporte Areo Militar

Brazil Brazilian Air Force

China Republic of China Air Force

People's Republic of China People's Liberation Army Air Force

Colombia Colombian Air Force (one aircraft)

Cuba Cuban Air Force

Dominican Republic Dominican Air Force

Ecuador Ecuadorian Air Force

Egypt Haiti

Haitian Air Corps


Buffalo Airways' "Buffalo Joe" C-46 in northern Canada, c. 2005

"Working office" of a C-46, c. 2006, over northern Manitoba

Lamb Air C-46.

Honduras Honduran Air Force

Israel Israeli Air Force

Japan Japan Air Self-Defense Force

South Korea South Korean Air Force C-46 on display at the War Memorial of Korea,

Seoul, Republic of Korea

Laos Royal Lao Air Force

Mexico Peru

Peruvian Air Force Soviet Union

Soviet Air Force - One aircraft only.[25]

United States United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force United States Marine Corps United States Navy

Civil Operators

Argentina Aeroplan Aerotransportes Litoral Argentino (ALA) Austral Lineas Aereas

Brazil Aero Geral Aeronorte Aerovias Brasil Companhia Ita de Transportes Areos Linha Area Transcontinental Brasileira Linhas Areas Paulistas LAP Lide Areo Nacional NAB Navegao Area Brasileira Paraense Transportes Areos Real Transportes Areos Sadia TABA TAS Transportes Areos Salvador


C-46 C-GIBX from First Nations Transportation, c. 2006

C-46 from Republic of China Air Force

An APU of China Doll

Transportes Areos Nacional Transportes Areos Universal Varig

Canada Air Manitoba Buffalo Airways Lambair First Nations Transportation Pacific Western Airlines

Chile Linea Aerea Sud Americana - LASA

Colombia Aerocondor Aeropesca Arca

Avianca Costa Rica

LACSA (Lneas Areas Costarricenses S.A. / Costa Rica)


C-46A of Caraibische Lucht Transport (Curaao)in 1970

Curacao Carabaische Lucht Transport

Dominican Republic Aeromar

Honduras Servicicio Aereo de Honduras SA

Haiti

Air Haiti - former operator Ireland

Irish International Airlines (leased from Seaboard & Western Airlines) Kenya

Relief Air Transport Nicaragua

LANICA (Lneas Areas de Nicaragua S.A./ Nicaragua) Norway

Fred Olsen Air Transport Paraguay

Paraguayan Airways Service/Servicios Areos del Paraguay (PAS) - 3 aircraft Lloyd Areo Paraguayo S.A. (LAPSA) - 2 aircraft Aerocarga Asociados (ACA) - 1 aircraft International Products Corporation (IPC Servicio Areo) - 1 aircraft

PeruSATCO - Servicio Aereo de Transportes Commerciales

Taiwan Civil Air Transport - former operator

United Kingdom British Overseas Airways Corporation (CW-20)

United States Alaska Airlines Capitol Air (Capitol International Airways) Civil Air Transport (later became Air America) Delta Air Lines Everts Air Cargo Resort Airlines Riddle Airlines Seaboard World Airlines Zantop Air Transport

Uruguay ARCO Aerolneas Colonia S.A.


Compaa Aeronutica Uruguaya S.A. (CAUSA) Venezuela

Linea Aeropostal Venezolana

Cockpit of 4X-ACTC-46 Commando

operated by El-Al onflight from Lod Airportto Eilat Airport (Israel)

(~1952)

Passengers in 4X-ACTC-46 Commando

(~1952)

4X-ACT C-46 Commandoin Eilat Airport (Israel)

(~1952)

4X-ACT C-46 Commando inEilat Airport (Israel) (~1952)

In popular cultureMovie star turned Marine Lieutenant Tyrone Power was an R5C pilot during the Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaignsin 1945.[citation needed]

Specifications (C-46A)Data from Curtiss Aircraft 19071946[26]

General characteristics Crew: 4 Capacity: [27]

40 troops or 30 stretcher patients or 15,000lb (6,800kg) cargo[28]

Length: 76 ft 4 in (23.27 m) Wingspan: 108 ft 0 in (32.91 m) Height: 21 ft 9 in (6.62 m) Wing area: 1,360 ft2 (126.3 m2) Empty weight: 30,669 lb[29][27] (14,700 kg) Max. takeoff weight: 45,000 lb[30] (20,412 kg) Powerplant: 2 Pratt & Whitney R-2800-51 two-row 18-cylinder radial engines, 2,000 hp (1,492 kW) each

Performance Maximum speed: 270 mph (235 knots, 435 km/h) at 15,000ft (4,600m) Cruise speed: 173 mph (150 knots, 278 km/h) Range: 3,150 mi (2,739 nmi, 5,069 km) at 173 mph (278 km/h) Service ceiling: 24,500 ft (7,468 m) Rate of climb: 1,175 ft/min[27] (6.0 m/s)


References

Notes[1][1] Andrade 1979, p. 65.[2][2] Davis et al. 1978, p. 11.[3][3] Carter 1958, p. 25.[4][4] Love 2003, pp. 46-47.[5] "Air Freighter." (http:/ / www. time. com/ time/ magazine/ article/ 0,9171,849869,00. html) Time magazine, 18 May 1942.[6][6] Johnson 2007, p. 45.[7][7] Johnson 2007, p. 44.[8] The C-46's dome somewhat resembled the "stepless cockpits" used by almost all of the Third Reich's Luftwaffe medium bomber designs had

adopted, like the later -P and -H wartime versions of the Heinkel He 111[9][9] Love 2003, p. 4.[10] Bowers 1979, pp. 451452.[11] Green and Swanborough Air Enthusiast SeptemberDecember 1987, p. 27.[12] Lucariny, J.R. "Curtis C-46 Commando." (http:/ / www. jrlucariny. com/ site2008/ c46clh/ c46clh. html) jrlucariny.com. Retrieved: 12 April

2012.[13][13] Johnson 2007, p. 47.[14][14] Mondey 2006, p. 72.[15] Bolce, Don. "Operation Varsity." (http:/ / www. able506. com/ 440th/ tcarticle_operationvarsity. shtml) able506.com, 24 March 1945.[16] Seelinger, Matthew J. "Operation Varsity: The Last Airborne Deployment of World War II." (http:/ / www. armyhistory. org/ ahf2.

aspx?pgID=877& id=139& exCompID=56) The Army Historical Foundation. Retrieved: 11 May 2011.[17][17] Devlin 1979, p. 624.[18] Leeuw, Ruud. "Background Information: Curtiss C-46 "Commando." (http:/ / www. ruudleeuw. com/ c46_tech. htm) ruudleeuw.com.

Retrieved: 11 May 2011.[19] "C-46 Nontransport Category Airplanes." (http:/ / www. risingup. com/ fars/ info/ part121-C-APPX. shtml) FAA Part 121, Appendix C.[20] Adams, Capt E.G. "Memories of the Fall of Saigon - April 29, 1975 - Fred Walker's Diary: The Beginning of the End." (http:/ / www.

air-america. org/ Articles/ Fall_of_Saigon. shtml#adams) air-america.org. Retrieved: 27 October 2011.[21][21] Groves 1994, p. 32.[22] "Buffalo Airways Fleet: C-46 Commando." (http:/ / www. buffaloairways. com/ aircraft-fleet) buffaloairways.com, 2011. Retrieved: 11 May

2011.[23] Wiebe, Lindsey. "First Nations Transportation banned from flying: 20 people laid off while airline fights suspension." (http:/ / www.

winnipegfreepress. com/ local/ first-nations-transportation-banned-from-flying-50347287. html) Winnipeg Free Press, 7 October 2009.[24] "Curtiss CW-20/C-46 (Commando)." (http:/ / www. flightglobal. com/ pdfarchive/ view/ 1960/ 1960 - 2681. html) Flight, 18 November

1960.[25][25] Hardesty 1991, p. 253 (Appendixes).[26][26] Bowers 1979, p. 456.[27] Green and Swanborough Air Enthusiast SeptemberDecember 1987, p. 42.[28][28] Bowers 1979, p. 453.[29][29] Cargo configuration[30][30] Normal maximum weight. Overload weight 49,600lb (22,500kg).Andrade 1979, p. 65.

Citations

Bibliography Andrade, John M. US Military Aircraft Designations and Serials. Hinckley, Leicestershire, UK: Midland

Counties Publications, 1979. ISBN 0-90459-721-0. Bowers, Peter M. Curtiss Aircraft, 1907-1947. London: Putnam & Company Ltd., 1979. ISBN 0-370-10029-8. Carter, John D. "Chapter 1: The Air Transport Command" (http:/ / www. ibiblio. org/ hyperwar/ AAF/ VII/

AAF-VII-1. html). In Frank Craven, Wesley; and James Lea Cate. The Army Air Forces in World War II: VolumeVII, Services Around the World 7. Hyperwar Foundation, 1958.

Davis, John M., Harold G. Martin and John A. Whittle. The Curtiss C-46 Commando. Tonbridge, Kent, UK:Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd., 1978. ISBN 0-85130-065-0.


Devlin, Gerard M. Paratrooper!: The Saga Of Parachute And Glider Combat Troops During World War II.London: Robson Books, 1979. ISBN 0-31259-652-9.

Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. "Commando: A Dove from Curtiss-Wright". Air Enthusiast,Thirty-four, SeptemberDecember 1987, ISSN 0143-5450. pp.2542.

Groves, Clinton. Propliners: A Half-Century of the World's Great Propeller-Driven Airliners (Enthusiast ColorSeries). Minneapolis, Minnesota: Zenith Press, 1994. ISBN 978-0879388669.

Hardesty, Von. Red Phoenix: The Rise of Soviet Air Power 1941-1945. Washington, D.C.: SmithsonianInstitution, First edition 1982, 1991. ISBN 0-87474-510-1.

Johnson, E.R. "The Airliner that Went to War." Aviation History Vol. 18, no. 1, September 2007. Love, Terry. C-46 Commando in action. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 2003. ISBN

0-89747-452-X. Mondey, David. The Hamlyn Concise Guide to American Aircraft of World War II. New York: Bounty Books,

2006. ISBN 978-0-7537-1461-4. Pereira, Aldo. Breve Histria da Aviao Comercial Brasileira (in Portuguese). Rio de Janeiro: Europa, 1987.

ISBN 978-8561936006.

External links Curtiss Commando (http:/ / www. ruudleeuw. com/ c-46_in_alaska. htm) Background Information: Curtiss C-46 "Commando" (http:/ / www. ruudleeuw. com/ c46_tech. htm) C-46s from "Austral Lineas Aereas" (http:/ / aerospotter. blogspot. com/ 2008/ 01/

austral-naci-hace-50-aos-con-c-46s. html) (Spanish) Illustrations in Flying Magazine January 1941 showing single versus twin-tail configurations of CW-20 prototype

(http:/ / books. google. co. uk/ books?id=Uf8vvplmxF0C& pg=PA56& dq=curtiss+ cw-20& hl=en& sa=X&ei=xfKeT9GXEqnT0QXixYDxDg& ved=0CEkQ6AEwAw#v=onepage& q=curtiss cw-20& f=false)

1942 Life magazine photos of loading arrangement demonstrations with the C-46 (http:/ / www. google. com/imgres?hl=en& biw=1440& bih=688& tbm=isch& tbnid=-0cTOMDp5lzPyM:& imgrefurl=http:/ / images.google. com/ hosted/ life/ 8c26ef4c10fba9ce. html& docid=udtKVYi0iOzy1M& imgurl=http:/ / www. gstatic.com/ hostedimg/ 9ec1ae826100f61b_thumb& w=64& h=64& ei=pjOgT5GON43D8QOQ14GjAQ& zoom=1&iact=hc& vpx=1023& vpy=409& dur=437& hovh=64& hovw=64& tx=71& ty=46&sig=108412345345016776534& page=1& tbnh=64& tbnw=64& start=0& ndsp=18& ved=1t:429,r:12,s:0,i:97)

Article Sources and Contributors 14

Article Sources and ContributorsCurtiss C-46 Commando Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=558448581 Contributors: -js-, AMCKen, AOCJedi, Aeroweanie, Againme, Ahoerstemeier, Alai, Aldis90,Andrwsc, Antheii, Antonio Luis Sapienza, Armona, Asomozap, Bellagio99, BilCat, Binksternet, Bobrayner, Braniff73, Brunoptsem, BuffaloChuck, Bzuk, CambridgeBayWeather, Chesipiero,ChrisGualtieri, Cjthellama, Cobatfor, CommonsDelinker, Conscious, Csa asc, DPdH, David Newton, Dellant, Denniss, Dirk P Broer, Easyeddie, Elclavicula, Elessar1, Emt147, Ericg, Etan J. Tal,Fabseva, Gameforge, Gene Nygaard, Greyengine5, Hmains, Howcheng, James086, Jeepday, JoaoRicardo, JohnMGarrison, Karl Dickman, Kbog, Khazar2, Lambdoid, Landroving Linguist,Lanwanman, Lgtrapp, Longshot1944, Marsian, Mike-tango, MilborneOne, Minorhistorian, Morven, Mutford, Ndunruh, NiD.29, Nick, Nigel Ish, Noisy, Nono64, OhanaUnited, Parsecboy, PaulRichter, Pearle, Pgallert, Phyllis1753, Piotr Mikoajski, Plot Spoiler, RadicalBender, Rapscallion, Raymondwinn, Reedmalloy, Rheo1905, Rich Farmbrough, Ringwayobserver, Rlandmann,Romeofiveten, Roo72, RuthAS, S2grand, SchuminWeb, Scottanon, ScottyBoy900Q, Searcher 1990, Signaleer, Skyraider1, Snowmanradio, Sobolewski, Spartan7W, SpartanCanuck, SylvainMielot, Tabletop, Template namespace initialisation script, The Bushranger, The PIPE, TheBaron0530, Toddlamb, Todowd, Trevor MacInnis, Trjumpet, VonZehle, Weegee, Wtshymanski, 133anonymous edits

Image Sources, Licenses and ContributorsImage:C-46_Commando.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:C-46_Commando.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: usafFile:C-46 medical flight.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:C-46_medical_flight.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: US Army Air ForceFile:Curtiss CW-20A BOAC at Gibraltar c1941.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Curtiss_CW-20A_BOAC_at_Gibraltar_c1941.jpg License: Public DomainContributors: F/O B.J.H. Daventry, Royal Air Force official photographerImage:C46F Curtiss Commando.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:C46F_Curtiss_Commando.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0Contributors: HowchengFile:Curtiss XC-113.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Curtiss_XC-113.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: The BushrangerImage:Curtiss C-46 Commando.JPG Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Curtiss_C-46_Commando.JPG License: unknown Contributors: Denniss, PMG, Stahlkocher,Sv1xvFile:C-46 'Buffalo Airways'.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:C-46_'Buffalo_Airways'.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Original uploader was Bzuk aten.wikipediaImage:C-46 cockpit.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:C-46_cockpit.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Original uploader was Bzuk at en.wikipediaFile:Curtiss C-46 Lambair.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Curtiss_C-46_Lambair.jpg License: GNU Free Documentation License Contributors: Original uploaderwas Toddlamb at en.wikipedia.File:C-46-First Nations Transportation,.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:C-46-First_Nations_Transportation,.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Originaluploader was Bzuk at en.wikipediaFile:C-46 taiwan.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:C-46_taiwan.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Contributors: Mike-tango www.mablehome.comFile:Commando 'China Doll' APU.JPG Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Commando_'China_Doll'_APU.JPG License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0Contributors: User:Spartan7WFile:Flag of Argentina.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Argentina.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Government of Argentina (Vector graphics byDbenbenn)File:Flag of Bolivia.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Bolivia.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: User:SKoppFile:Flag of Brazil.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Brazil.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: AnomieFile:Flag of the Republic of China.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_the_Republic_of_China.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: 555, Abner1069,Bestalex, Bigmorr, Denelson83, Ed veg, Gzdavidwong, Herbythyme, Isletakee, Kakoui, Kallerna, Kibinsky, Mattes, Mizunoryu, Neq00, Nickpo, Nightstallion, Odder, Pymouss, R.O.C, Reisio,Reuvenk, Rkt2312, Rocket000, Runningfridgesrule, Samwingkit, Sasha Krotov, Shizhao, SiBr4, Tabasco, Theo10011, Vzb83, Wrightbus, ZooFari, Zscout370, 75 anonymous editsFile:Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_the_People's_Republic_of_China.svg License: Public Domain Contributors:Drawn by User:SKopp, redrawn by User:Denelson83 and User:Zscout370 Recode by cs:User:-xfi- (code), User:Shizhao (colors)File:Flag of Colombia.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Colombia.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: SKoppFile:Flag of Cuba.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Cuba.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: see belowFile:Flag of the Dominican Republic.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_the_Dominican_Republic.svg License: Public Domain Contributors:User:NightstallionFile:Flag of Ecuador.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Ecuador.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: President of the Republic of Ecuador, Zscout370File:Flag of Egypt.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Egypt.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Open Clip ArtFile:Flag of Haiti.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Haiti.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: (colours and size changes of the now deletied versions)Madden, Vzb83, Denelson83, Chanheigeorge, Zscout370 and Nightstallion Coat of arms :Lokal_Profil and Myriam ThyesFile:Flag of Honduras.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Honduras.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: D1990, Denelson83, ECanalla, Feydey, Fred J,Homo lupus, Klemen Kocjancic, Mattes, Matthew hk, Neq00, Oak27, Pumbaa80, Rocket000, RubiksMaster110, SKopp, ThomasPusch, Tocino, Vzb83, Yuval Madar, ZooFari, Zscout370, 10anonymous editsFile:Flag of Israel.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Israel.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: The Provisional Council of State Proclamation of theFlag of the State of Israel of 25 Tishrei 5709 (28 October 1948) provides the official specification for the design of the Israeli flag. The color of the Magen David and the stripes of the Israeli flagis not precisely specified by the above legislation. The color depicted in the current version of the image is typical of flags used in Israel today, although individual flags can and do vary. The flaglegislation officially specifies dimensions of 220 cm 160 cm. However, the sizes of actual flags vary (although the aspect ratio is usually retained).File:Flag of Japan.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Japan.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: AnomieFile:Flag of South Korea.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_South_Korea.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: VariousFile:Flag of Laos (1952-1975).svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Laos_(1952-1975).svg License: Public Domain Contributors: ThommyFile:Flag of Mexico.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Mexico.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Alex Covarrubias, 9 April 2006 Based on the armsby Juan Gabino.File:Flag of Peru.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Peru.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: User:DbenbennFile:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_the_Soviet_Union.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: A1, Ahmadi, Alex Smotrov,Alvis Jean, Art-top, BagnoHax, Beetsyres34, Brandmeister, Counny, Cycn, Denniss, Dynamicwork, ELeschev, Endless-tripper, Ericmetro, EugeneZelenko, F l a n k e r, Fred J, Fry1989,G.dallorto, Garynysmon, Herbythyme, Homo lupus, Jake Wartenberg, MaggotMaster, MrAustin390, Ms2ger, Nightstallion, Palosirkka, Patrickpedia, PeaceKeeper97, Pianist, R-41, Rainforesttropicana, Sebyugez, Skeezix1000, Solbris, Storkk, Str4nd, Tabasco, ThomasPusch, Toben, Twilight Chill, Xgeorg, Zscout370, , 4, 64 anonymous editsFile:Flag of the United States.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_the_United_States.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: AnomieFile:Flag of Canada.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Canada.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: AnomieFile:Flag of Chile.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Chile.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Alkari, B1mbo, Cycn, David Newton, Dbenbenn,Denelson83, ElmA, Er Komandante, Fibonacci, Fry1989, Fsopolonezcaro, Herbythyme, Huhsunqu, Kallerna, Kanonkas, Klemen Kocjancic, Kyro, Mattes, McZusatz, Mozzan, Nagy,Nightstallion, Piastu, Pixeltoo, Pumbaa80, SKopp, Sarang, SiBr4, Srtxg, Sterling.M.Archer, Str4nd, Ultratomio, Vzb83, Xarucoponce, Yakoo, Yonatanh, Zscout370, 49 anonymous editsFile:Flag of Costa Rica.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Costa_Rica.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Drawn by User:SKopp, rewritten byUser:Gabbe

Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors 15

Image:Curtiss C-46A PJ-CLD MIA 19.10.70 edited-2.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Curtiss_C-46A_PJ-CLD_MIA_19.10.70_edited-2.jpg License: CreativeCommons Attribution 3.0 Contributors: RuthASFile:Flag of Curaao.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Curaao.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: User:DbenbennFile:Flag of Ireland.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Ireland.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: User:SKoppFile:Flag of Kenya.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Kenya.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: User:Pumbaa80File:Flag of Nicaragua.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Nicaragua.svg License: Attribution Contributors: User:C recordsFile:Flag of Norway.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Norway.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: DbenbennFile:Flag of Paraguay.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Paraguay.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Republica del ParaguayFile:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Anomie, GoodOlfactory, MifterFile:US flag 48 stars.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:US_flag_48_stars.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Abjiklam, AnonMoos, Clindberg, Cycn, DualFreq, Flargman4, Homo lupus, Jacobolus, MuXXo, Rocket000, Tkgd2007, Zscout370, 6 anonymous editsFile:Flag of Uruguay.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Uruguay.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: User:Reisio (original author)File:Flag of Venezuela.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Venezuela.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Alkari, Bastique, Cycn, Denelson83,DerFussi, Fry1989, George McFinnigan, Herbythyme, Homo lupus, Huhsunqu, Infrogmation, K21edgo, Klemen Kocjancic, Ludger1961, Neq00, Nightstallion, Reisio, Rupert Pupkin, Sarang,SiBr4, Sparkve, ThomasPusch, Vzb83, Wikisole, Zscout370, 13 anonymous editsFile:CockpitDakota.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:CockpitDakota.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Josef TalFile:C-46Commander.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:C-46Commander.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Josef TalFile:C-46CommanderEilat.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:C-46CommanderEilat.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Josef TalFile:C-46CommanderEilat2.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:C-46CommanderEilat2.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Josef Tal

LicenseCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported//creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Curtiss C-46 CommandoDesign and developmentOperational historyPacific TheaterEuropePostwar

VariantsOperatorsMilitary OperatorsCivil Operators

In popular cultureSpecifications (C-46A)ReferencesNotesCitationsBibliography

External links

License

Documents

E-Book Curtiss C-46 Commando