Curtiss C-76 Caravan

Curtiss-Wright · United States · first flew 1943 · transport aircraft

The Curtiss C-76 Caravan was an American military transport aircraft built largely of wood to conserve strategic aluminium during World War II, featuring a high-wing twin-engine layout for troop and cargo carrying. It was designed as a wartime expedient to ease material shortages.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	20.83 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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WWII American twin-engine wooden transport aircraft
High-wing monoplane with fixed tailwheel undercarriage
Built from non-strategic wood to conserve aluminium

Distinguished by its large high-wing twin-engine layout, wooden construction giving a distinctive finish, and the fixed undercarriage of a wartime utility design.

Specifications

The Curtiss C-76 Caravan has a length of 20.83 m (68 ft).
It has a wingspan of 32.97 m (108 ft).
Its maximum speed is 309 km/h (192 mph).
Typical crew: 4 + 36 troops.

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

History

Ordered by the US Army Air Forces in 1942, the C-76 was one of several wooden aircraft projects pursued to conserve aluminium. However, its performance and structural shortcomings led to cancellation after only a small number were built.

Variants

A small production run was completed before the programme was terminated; no significant variants were developed.

Where you'll see it

Saw only limited evaluation service with the USAAF and did not enter widespread operational use.

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