The C-45 is a Military Transport Version of the Beechcraft Model 18, Which Began its 32 Year Production Lifespan in 1937. It was the result of Walter Beech’s Desire in 1935 to Build a Low-Wing Monoplane to Compete with the Commercial Biplanes of the Day, Like the Curtis Condor.
The C-45 was First Ordered by the U.S. Army Air Corps for Use as a Staff Transport. It was Continually Modified Throughout its Production Life With Changes Like Increased Seating Capacity and a Longer Nose. A Navigator Training Version was Put in Service as the AT-7 and a Float-Version was Designated the AT-7A.
The Model 18 was Further Modified In 1941 as the Advanced Trainer AT-11, Equipped with a Small Bomb Bay, Transparent Nose Section, and Two .30 cal. Machine Guns. This Variant was Used for Bombardier and Gunnery Training. A Photo Reconnaissance Model, Designated the F-2, was the Final Wartime Variant of the Model 18. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps also Acquired More Than 1,500 Model 18s During World War II, with Respective Identifiers of JRB and SNB.
ABOUT 12 PLANES OF CHRISTMAS
Each year the CAF holds an annual fundraiser to help support and highlight aircraft projects for planes in need of restoration, maintenance or repairs. Donors may contribute to a specific aircraft project or to the CAF’s Restoration Grant Fund.
Don’t want to donate online?
Call 877-767-7175,
ext. 105 or mail check to: CAF Headquarters, P.O. Box 764769, Dallas,
TX, 75376
The Restoration Grant Fund
The Restoration Grant
Fund is a dollar-for-dollar match program created to help aircraft
projects with the most need get back into the air faster.
Giving to a Specific Aircraft Project
If you
have a particular affinity for an airplane, you can make a direct
contribution to the aircraft.
Highlights
See all activity8
