Douglas C-124C Globemaster II
Towards the end of World War II, the USAAF issued a requirement for a large transport capable of carrying tanks. Douglas responded with the C-74 Globemaster, but it was not successful--the aircraft itself was fine, but the end of the war led to the USAAF cancelling the contract. The Berlin Airlift exposed the need for a heavy transport, however, and the now-independent USAF reconsidered. Douglas, by this time, were ready to offer a completely different aircraft, the C-124 Globemaster II.
Though the tail and wings of the C-124 were generally similar to the C-74, the fuselage was much deeper and wider. A rear ramp was included, but also clamshell nose doors, allowing for "all-through" loading. The Globemaster II could indeed carry tanks like the M4 Sherman, and could also carry up to 200 troops and their equipment. The USAF ordered it into production in 1950.
The C-124 was not aesthetically pleasing, but it was a workhorse. Its capacity came in handy during the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and it had the range to cross the Pacific from Hawaii to Japan. Although it was approaching obsolescence by the time of Vietnam, it was the only USAF transport (aside from the C-133 Cargomaster) capable of carrying oversize loads. Though dubbed "Old Shaky" because of the vibration of the engines through the fuselage, the Globemaster II performed yeoman work through two decades of service.
With the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter entering service in the early 1960s, the C-124 was relegated to Air National Guard units and finally retired in 1974. 448 were built, and nine are known to be left.
Built as 52-1004, this C-124C was delivered to the USAF in 1953; most of its early career was spent at Palm Beach AFB, Florida and Dover AFB, Delaware. From 1966 to 1969, it was involved in transporting troops and equipment to Vietnam as part of the 61st Military Airlift Wing, forward deployed at Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Tachikawa, Japan. As the C-124s were replaced by C-141s, it was sent to the Air Force Reserve's 917th MAG at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, and ended its career with the 901st MAG at Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts. It was retired in 1973, but was only in storage for a few months before it was donated to the Pima Air and Space Museum.
52-1004 has seen better days as it awaits restoration, but the size and odd majesty of the aircraft is still very much intact. Though it was assigned to the 901st MAG when it retired, it carries a MAC stripe on the tail rather than an AFRES one.
Douglas C-124C Globemaster II
Towards the end of World War II, the USAAF issued a requirement for a large transport capable of carrying tanks. Douglas responded with the C-74 Globemaster, but it was not successful--the aircraft itself was fine, but the end of the war led to the USAAF cancelling the contract. The Berlin Airlift exposed the need for a heavy transport, however, and the now-independent USAF reconsidered. Douglas, by this time, were ready to offer a completely different aircraft, the C-124 Globemaster II.
Though the tail and wings of the C-124 were generally similar to the C-74, the fuselage was much deeper and wider. A rear ramp was included, but also clamshell nose doors, allowing for "all-through" loading. The Globemaster II could indeed carry tanks like the M4 Sherman, and could also carry up to 200 troops and their equipment. The USAF ordered it into production in 1950.
The C-124 was not aesthetically pleasing, but it was a workhorse. Its capacity came in handy during the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and it had the range to cross the Pacific from Hawaii to Japan. Although it was approaching obsolescence by the time of Vietnam, it was the only USAF transport (aside from the C-133 Cargomaster) capable of carrying oversize loads. Though dubbed "Old Shaky" because of the vibration of the engines through the fuselage, the Globemaster II performed yeoman work through two decades of service.
With the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter entering service in the early 1960s, the C-124 was relegated to Air National Guard units and finally retired in 1974. 448 were built, and nine are known to be left.
Built as 52-1004, this C-124C was delivered to the USAF in 1953; most of its early career was spent at Palm Beach AFB, Florida and Dover AFB, Delaware. From 1966 to 1969, it was involved in transporting troops and equipment to Vietnam as part of the 61st Military Airlift Wing, forward deployed at Hickam AFB, Hawaii and Tachikawa, Japan. As the C-124s were replaced by C-141s, it was sent to the Air Force Reserve's 917th MAG at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, and ended its career with the 901st MAG at Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts. It was retired in 1973, but was only in storage for a few months before it was donated to the Pima Air and Space Museum.
52-1004 has seen better days as it awaits restoration, but the size and odd majesty of the aircraft is still very much intact. Though it was assigned to the 901st MAG when it retired, it carries a MAC stripe on the tail rather than an AFRES one.