The 1947 Beechcraft model D18S arrived at the CAF in August of 2016. Routinely referred to as a “Twin Beech,” over 9,000 of these aircraft were produced at Beechcraft in Wichita Kansas, making it one of the world's most widely used light aircraft. 4,500 of them saw military service during and after WWII.

Commonly referred to with the military designation of C-45, these aircraft were used in the military as light transports, light bombers, and photo-reconnaissance planes. Large numbers of them also saw service as aircrew trainers for bombing, navigation and gunnery. In World War II, over 90% of USAAF bombardiers and navigators trained in these aircraft. About 250 of the aircraft remain airworthy today.

This aircraft is painted in Navy livery and marked as a U.S. Navy JRB Expeditor. It is configured to seat six passengers in VIP comfort and has participated in the Living History Flight Experience program for seven years. The sturdy transport sports an admiral’s stars and crisp Navy blue colors, and is in high demand at airshows and barnstorming events. Because it has a contemporary interior it is one of the few CAF aircraft that can fly children as young as five years old.

The Gulf Coast Wing's JRB Expeditor carries two Pratt & Whitney R-985 radial engines generating 450 horsepower each. Over the last three years we have replaced both engines with the help of our 12 Planes supporters. Now it's time to ensure we have the right inventory of parts to ensure its safe operation, and we need back up fuel pumps, starters, carburetors, generators and magnetos on the shelf so that we can fly and travel with confidence. It's a twin engine aircraft, so we need two of everything!

 A contribution to the Twin Beech will help us to complete the spares inventory so we’ll be ready to fly into action in Spring 2026.