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Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando
Technical Information


Background
The Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando was the largest and heaviest twin-engine aircraft in service with the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) in World War II. The Command was used in every theater of World War II including the Pacific. In China-Burma-India (CBI), the Commando transported cargo over Himalayan Mountains dubbed "The Hump" into China. Postwar, the C-46 remained in service with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) until retired in 1969. Many C-46s were sold to civilian operators and remained in use as cargo aircraft with some still flying today.

R5C-1
The R5C-1 was the U.S. Marine Corps designation for 160 built for their use. The type was similar in specification to the C-46A Commando. A total of 160 R5C-1 were built for the USMC.

Production
A total of 1,490 C-46As were built including 160 R5C-1 for the USMC. The major variant was the C-46D with 1,410 built.

Technical Details
Crew  One (Pilot)
Engine  2 x Pratt & Whitney R-2800-51 Double Wasp 18-cylinder, twin-row radials engines
Span  108'
Length  76.3'
Height  21.7'
Maximum Speed  270 mph
Range   3,150 miles
Capacity  10,000 lbs of cargo or 40 seats for passengers



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