Douglas C-124 Globemaster II

The Douglas C‑124 Globemaster II was a heavy‑lift cargo aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company for the United States Air Force after World War II. First flown in 1949 and entering service in 1950, the C‑124 served for more than two decades, seeing action in the Korean War, the Vietnam conflict and numerous humanitarian airlifts. Its distinctive double‑deck fuselage featured a large, hinged nose door and a built‑in loading ramp, allowing the transport of outsized cargo such as tanks, locomotives, and even entire aircraft. Powered by four Pratt & Whitney R‑4360 Wasp Majestic radial engines, the plane could lift up to 68 000 pounds and cruise at 230 knots with a range of roughly 2 000 nautical miles. The aircraft’s pressurized cargo compartments and onboard climate control were advanced for the era, enabling long‑duration flights with sensitive equipment. The C‑124’s massive payload capability and reliable performance made it a cornerstone of the strategic airlift fleet, paving the way for later jet‑powered transports such as the C‑5 Galaxy. Its legacy endures as a symbol of post‑war logistical innovation and a key contributor to U.S. global power projection.

Douglas

Douglas C-124 Globemaster II

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Design & Classification