Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar

History of the Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar

Fairchild created a winner in the postwar world with the launch of the C-119 "Flying Boxcar". The boxcar was derived from the C-82 "data pack" transporter - it was starting to look more and more similar to the final C-119 production model - although the C-119 went further, eventually earning its own name and The design embodiment has acquired a recognizable nickname.

The system will continue to be deployed in large numbers with troops from around the world, and the United States will be the first to use the C-119 for transport and attack helicopters. The system will play an extremely active role in the upcoming Korean War, especially in transportation and airdrop roles, which include dropping supplies and aircraft.

Originally born as the XC-82 prototype, the C-119 was scheduled to fly in September 1944 to meet the U.S. Army's requirements for the military cargo role. The prototype will only produce a single production variant in the form of the C-82A and will be powered by two 2,100-horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-2800-34 radial engines.

Capabilities also include accommodation for up to 78 combat readiness troops, 42 airborne paratroopers, or 34 medical carriages under standard cargo. No less than 220 of the C-82A series would be delivered, laying the groundwork for the heavily modified C-82 in the form of a new prototype known as the XC-82B, which later took on the new designation C-119.

The C-119 features a huge fuselage pod flanked by a twin-arm design, with each radial engine mounted in a tall monoplane. The wings are of a straight design, with two fins mounted on the stern. The large, boxy fuselage is ideal for cargo transport, as are the high-mounted wings and engines, which allow ground crews to bring large amounts of troops, supplies and equipment into the cargo bay with some accessibility. The original C-119B models were equipped with R-4360-20 radial engines, each producing 3,500 horsepower.

Accommodation options for paratroopers have been increased to 62, while overall cargo capacity has also increased due to structural reinforcement and a widened hull.

The C-119 later appeared in various model series, with subtle changes throughout its evolution. The final model may be the C-119G, of which about 480 prototypes were produced. Additionally, the C-119 was tried and accepted as a close support gunship to the AC-119, which was based on the C-119G model but underwent a rebuilding process.

The AC-119K later became the standard for the AC-119 gunship. Other notable additions to the C-119's base system include two General Electric J85-GE-17 turbojets located in underwing nacelles for additional thrust (C-119J; five of them were modified), another with Has power door assembly, which allows in-flight opening of the tail of the fuselage for airdrop (also C-119J; 62 examples revised from C-119F and C-119G transport standards).

The C-119 flying boxcar excelled throughout the Korean War, producing over 1,300 examples for the entire boxcar line. The system serves the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy as well as various other global aviation services.

Regardless, the C-119 has proven to be a classic, versatile and robust aircraft for some time now.

The difference between the C-82 and the C-119 is the longer nose section of the C-82 in front of the cockpit.

Specification

Basic

Production

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Dimensions

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Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes