Curtiss C-46

The Curtiss C-46 (Commando) was pressed into service long before it was ready. Even though the C-46 was un-proven when it was pressed into service over the HUMP, it faired well even when it was plagued by maintenance and service problems. In fact, the C-46 became the a main-stay and a work-horse for the entire Hump operation. The plane was so "green" that Chief Curtiss test pilot Herb Fisher logged over 90 missions over the HUMP as a civilian to help iron out the bugs. All this time, military missions were also being flown in the aircraft.

The C-46 was powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engines of 2,000 h.p each. Its wing span was 108 ft. 1in., length, 76 ft. 4 in. The C-46 depending on the model could carry up to 15,000 Lbs of cargo, or 50 fully armed troops, or 33 stretchers and four attendants.

C-46 Pilots Check List

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I am looking for former members of the 3rd Combat Cargo Group, 1st, Combat Cargo Group, 4th Combat Cargo Group. In fact anyone who flew over the Hump during WW II, or flew any Combat Cargo Missions at any time (Berlin Air-Lift, Korea, etc.)

Please e-mail comment, suggestions, corrections,etc to: bill@comcar.org

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