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Museum Airpark
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The C-119 was developed directly from the World War II era Fairchild C-82 "Packet." Although introduced too late to see service in World War II, 220 C-82's were built. They provided valuable technical and operational data for the new C-119.
Major improvements included a longer fuselage, a larger cargo capacity, and the more powerful 3,500 h.p., Wright R-3350 engines. Between November 1947 and October 1955, a total of 1,112 C-119's of all models were constructed.
The C-119 saw extensive service during the Korean War transporting cargo, troops and litter patients. The "Flying Boxcar" was also capable of deploying troops and cargo by parachute through its rear doors. During the Vietnam War, 52 C-119's were converted to AC-119G and AC-119K gunship standards. Entering combat in 1969, these aircraft were equipped with four 7.62mm mini-guns capable of firing 6,000 rounds per minute, and also carried the AVQ-8 night vision/illumination system and parachute flares.
The C-119 flew with the Air Force and Reserves and also with the Royal Canadian Air Force into the late 1970s. After being surplused, our C-119G was used in a pest control capacity until being donated to the Museum in October of 1988.
Specifications:
- Wing Span: 109'4"
- Length: 86'6" Height - 26'3"
- Maximum Speed: 218 M.P.H. at 10,000 Ft.
- Service Ceiling: 23,900 Ft.
- Range: 1,770 Miles
- Crew/Passengers: 4 crew, 40 passengers
- Armament: C-119: none,
- AC-119: 4 x GAU-2 7.62mm mini-guns, or 2 x M6lAl 20mm gatling guns Engines 2 x 3,500 H.P. Wright R-3350-89 radial engines.
Information derived from “Travis Air Force Museum” by Nick Veronico copyright Travis AFB Historical Society/Jimmy Doolittle Air and Space Museum Foundation. This book is available from the Jimmy Doolittle Air and Space Museum GIFT SHOP located in the Travis Air Museum.
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