Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor

The Beechcraft C‑45 Expeditor, developed from the Model 18 Twin Beech, entered production in 1941 as a versatile, all‑metal, twin‑engine aircraft. Originally built for the United States Army Air Forces as a light transport, crew trainer, and liaison platform, the C‑45 served throughout World War II and the early Cold War, later being transferred to the United States Air Force and other allied forces. Powered by two 450‑hp Pratt & Whitney R‑985 radial engines, the Expeditor offered a cruising speed of 225 mph, a range of roughly 1,200 nm and a payload capacity that accommodated six passengers or equivalent cargo. Its rugged airframe featured a low‑wing configuration, retractable landing gear, and a spacious cabin with dual controls, making it ideal for navigation and multi‑engine instruction. Over 500 units were built, and many were later converted to the civilian Model 18 series, influencing post‑war general aviation. The C‑45’s reliability, ease of maintenance, and adaptability cemented its reputation as a workhorse, contributing to the development of modern twin‑engine transport and trainer aircraft worldwide. Today numerous airworthy examples are displayed in museums and flown by private owners, preserving the Expeditor’s legacy as a symbol of mid‑century aviation ingenuity.

Beechcraft

Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor

Classification

Design & Classification