Fairchild C-119C Flying Boxcar

The Fairchild C‑119C Flying Boxcar, built by Fairchildren Aircraft Corporation in the late 1940s, was a twin‑engine transport derived from the earlier C‑82 Packet. First flown in 1947, the C‑119 entered U.S. Army service in 1949 and quickly proved its versatility in the post‑World‑War‑II era, serving in Korea, Vietnam, and numerous humanitarian missions. Its most recognizable feature is the bulky, rectangular fuselage that provides a massive internal cargo volume, capable of carrying up to 10,000 lb of equipment, vehicles, or up to 62 troops. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R‑2800 radial engines, the aircraft offers a cruising speed of roughly 180 knots and a range of 1,850 km, while its high‑wing configuration and robust landing gear enable operations from short, unprepared strips. The C‑119C variant introduced improved fuel tanks, reinforced structure, and upgraded avionics, enhancing payload capacity and reliability. In aviation history, the Flying Boxcar set standards for bulk transport, pioneered air‑dropping techniques—including the first successful paratroop airdrop of a nuclear device—and influenced later cargo designs such as the C‑130 Hercules. Its legacy endures in military logistics, airborne assault doctrine, and the development of modern tactical airlifters.