Douglas C-124 Globemaster II
Douglas · United States · first flew 1949 · transport aircraft
The Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, nicknamed 'Old Shaky', was the USAF's primary heavy strategic airlifter through the 1950s and early 1960s, capable of transporting tanks, artillery, and oversized cargo via clamshell nose doors and a double-deck interior.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 39.75 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- USAF Cold War-era heavy strategic transport — 'Old Shaky'
- Clamshell nose doors for straight-in vehicle and cargo loading
- Double-deck interior, four Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major engines
The C-124 is identified by its large clamshell nose doors, high-mounted straight wing with four large Wasp Major engines, deep slab-sided double-deck fuselage, and enormous overall bulk — larger than any transport of its era except the Bristol Brabazon.
Specifications
- The Douglas C-124 Globemaster II has a length of 39.75 m (130 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 53.05 m (174 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 488 km/h (303 mph).
- Typical crew: 8-12, up to 200 troops.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from the C-74 with an enlarged fuselage and clamshell nose, the C-124 first flew in November 1949 and entered service in 1950. It was the backbone of USAF airlift during the Korean War and throughout the Cold War buildup. The type earned its 'Old Shaky' nickname from its vibration-prone R-4360 engines and somewhat unpredictable handling.
Variants
The C-124A was the initial production version; the C-124C added improved weather radar, APS-42 radar, and Wright R-4360 engines with water injection for better hot-and-high performance.
Where you'll see it
Operated by USAF Military Air Transport Service and Air Force Reserve into the early 1970s; key strategic airlifter during Korean War, Berlin and Taiwan crises, and early Vietnam operations.
Related aircraft
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- Fairchild C-119C Flying Boxcar
- Fairchild C-123 Provider
- Fairchild C-123K Provider
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