Beechcraft GB-2

Beechcraft · USA · first flew 1942 · transport aircraft

The GB-2 was a follow-on US Navy procurement variant of the Beechcraft Model 18, used for the same staff transport and utility roles as the GB-1 with minor equipment differences. It is essentially the same airframe as the GB-1.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	10.4 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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US Navy Beech 18 staff transport variant
Twin radial-engined low-wing monoplane
Round cabin windows and twin-fin tail

Visually identical to the GB-1 and other Model 18 variants — low-wing twin with oval windows, twin radial engines, and the characteristic Beech 18 twin-tail configuration.

Specifications

The Beechcraft GB-2 has a length of 10.4 m (34 ft).
It has a wingspan of 14 m (46 ft).
Its maximum speed is 354 km/h (220 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Successive batches of Model 18s were given incremental Navy designations as procurement contracts differed in engine marks or interior fit. The GB-2 served alongside the GB-1 throughout the war in the same roles and units.

Variants

Closely related to the GB-1; the Army Air Forces equivalent was the C-45 Expeditor series. Post-war surplus Model 18s served with operators worldwide for decades.

Where you'll see it

Served with US Navy and Marine Corps transport and utility squadrons during World War II; the Model 18 family remained in widespread service through the 1960s with many operators.

Related aircraft

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