Douglas C-118B Liftmaster

Douglas · United States · first flew 1951 · transport aircraft

The Douglas C-118B Liftmaster is the US Navy variant of the military DC-6, a four-engine piston transport used for long-range logistics, VIP transport, and personnel movements.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• US Navy variant of the Douglas DC-6 four-engine transport
• Also known as R6D-1 in older Navy designation system
• Large four-piston airliner used for long-range Navy logistics

Classic four-engine low-wing airliner profile with a circular fuselage cross-section, four round-cowled Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engines, and a tall conventional tail — similar to the DC-4/C-54 but longer and larger.

Specifications

• The Douglas C-118B Liftmaster has a length of 30.66 m (101 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 35.81 m (117 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 508 km/h (316 mph).
• Typical crew: 4.

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

History

The US Air Force C-118A and US Navy C-118B (originally designated R6D-1) entered service in the early 1950s, providing strategic airlift capability for the military. The Navy used it on trans-Pacific routes and for high-priority cargo movements.

Variants

The C-118A served the USAF while the C-118B (R6D-1) served the Navy; both were based on the commercial DC-6 and DC-6A airframes, with strengthened floors and large cargo doors.

Where you'll see it

The C-118B served the US Navy into the 1970s on long-range transport duties; some aircraft were also converted for VIP transport of senior officials.

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