Curtiss C-46 Commando

The Curtiss C‑46 Commando, built by Curtiss‑Wright between 1940 and 1948, began as a commercial transport for the airline market but quickly found its most lasting role as a military cargo aircraft during World II. Designed to carry 15 passengers or up to 15,000 lb of freight, the high‑wing monoplane featured a robust all‑metal airframe, twin Pratt & Whitney R‑1830 radial engines delivering 1,200 hp each, and a spacious fuselage that could accommodate bulky loads such as artillery, vehicles, and even live animals. Its large, double‑door side entry and reinforced floor set it apart from the contemporary Douglas C‑47, giving it superior payload capacity and the ability to operate from rough, high‑altitude airstrips—qualities that made it indispensable on the “Hump” supply route over the Himalayas.

After the war the C‑46 returned to civilian service, where its range and cargo‑volume made it popular with airlines in South America, the Caribbean and Africa. Though eventually eclipsed by newer transports, the Commando’s contribution to strategic airlift, its role in post‑war humanitarian missions, and its reputation for rugged reliability cement its place as a landmark in aviation history.

Curtiss-Wright

Curtiss C-46 Commando

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