Douglas DC-6 / C-118
1946
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Douglas DC-6 / C-118

Built as an enlarged and pressurised DC-4 in order to compete with the Lockheed Constellation, the DC-6 (as the XC-112A) first flew on 15 February 1946. It had a 2.06m longer fuselage than the DC-4, accommodation for 48-52 passengers and was powered by four 1,565kW Pratt & Whitney Double Wasp CA15 engines. American Airlines and United Air Lines introduced the DC-6 on 27 April 1946. A total of 175 DC-6 were built. The windowless DC-6A freighter followed in 1949, powered by 1,788.5kW Double Wasps, with reinforced floor and double cargo doors - 74 were built.

The DC-6A was 1.52m longer than the DC-6 (101 going to the USAF as C-118A transports). The DC-6B, with accommodation for 54-102 passengers, first flew on 2 February 1951 and also had the longer fuselage. American Airlines introduced DC-6B on its US transcontinental services on 29 April 1951. It was one of the finest and most economical piston-engined transports. It remained in production until 1958 and 288 were built. Many of the DC-6 series were later converted to freighters.

Douglas DC-6 / C-118


Specification 
 CREW3-5
 PASSENGERS64-92
 ENGINE4 x P+W R-2800-CB17, 1840kW
 WEIGHTS
    Take-off weight48125 kg106098 lb
    Empty weight24583 kg54197 lb
 DIMENSIONS
    Wingspan35.8 m117 ft 5 in
    Length32.2 m105 ft 8 in
    Height8.7 m28 ft 7 in
 PERFORMANCE
    Max. speed575 km/h357 mph
    Cruise speed495 km/h308 mph
    Range w/max.fuel7856 km4882 miles

Comments 
Mel Mendelsohn, melmendelsohn(@)aol.com, 05.07.2008

I flew the c-118 at McGuire AFB,from March 1960 to December 1961, then flew them in Chatearoux, France from December 1961 to December 1965 as a NaATO Airborne Command Post.
Flew the VC-118 at Peterson Field ColordoSprings from July 1966 to May 1969in a Special Missions outfit. Then flew the VC-118 at Howasrd AFB in Panama from November 1970 to April 1974.
Great all weather airplane. Had over 6700 hours in that aaircraft.

Tony Piacentino, ynot119(@)msn.com, 13.05.2008

As a young LT.,I flew the C-118 Navy version with VR-21 (Barbers Pt)in the early 70's. It was very capable for it's designed mission and both stable and "forgiving" to fly. Many good memories and a cast of "characters" made it a fun experience.

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