Douglas C-118 Liftmaster
Douglas Aircraft · United States · first flew 1946 · transport aircraft
The Douglas C-118 Liftmaster is the USAF military transport version of the Douglas DC-6B airliner, used for long-range strategic airlift and VIP transport duties. It served alongside the C-121 Constellation as a major USAF strategic transport in the 1950s and 1960s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Four radial piston engines on a pressurised airliner fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Military transport version of the Douglas DC-6 airliner
- Four radial piston engines on a pressurised airliner fuselage
- Double-bubble cross-section fuselage typical of post-war Douglas airliners
Identical in most respects to the civil DC-6B; distinguished by military livery, large cargo doors, and USAF markings. The double-bubble fuselage cross-section and four large radial engines are characteristic Douglas airliner features.
Specifications
- The Douglas C-118 Liftmaster has a length of 32.18 m (106 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 35.81 m (117 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 507 km/h (315 mph).
- Typical crew: 5 flight crew.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Based on the DC-6B airframe, the C-118A entered USAF service in 1952 for cargo and troop transport, while the VC-118 was the VIP variant known as 'Independence' used by President Truman. Over 100 C-118s were procured, serving during the Korean War and the early Cold War period.
Variants
The C-118A was the primary cargo/troop variant; the VC-118 served as presidential and VIP transport. The US Navy operated the type as the R6D Liftmaster for logistics support.
Where you'll see it
The C-118 served the USAF Military Air Transport Service from 1952 until the early 1970s, when jet transports made piston airlifters obsolete. Several subsequently served with civil operators and smaller air forces.
Related aircraft
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