Douglas C-133B Cargomaster

Douglas · United States · first flew 1956 · transport aircraft

The Douglas C-133 Cargomaster was the USAF's only purpose-built turboprop strategic airlifter, uniquely capable of transporting ballistic missiles and other outsize cargo.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Large four-turboprop USAF strategic freighter
• Capable of carrying Titan and Atlas ICBMs
• Rear clamshell doors with upswept fuselage

Distinguished by its enormous high-wing fuselage with a circular cross-section, four Pratt & Whitney T34 turboprops, upswept rear fuselage with clamshell doors, and a tall conventional tail.

Specifications

• The Douglas C-133B Cargomaster has a length of 48.02 m (158 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 54.77 m (180 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 579 km/h (360 mph).
• Typical crew: 4-8.

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

History

First flying in April 1956, the C-133 was developed to carry items too large for other transports, including Polaris, Thor, and Atlas missiles. It served as the primary mover of ICBM stages during the early Space Age, operating with Military Air Transport Service.

Variants

The C-133A was the initial variant with T34-P-3 engines; the C-133B introduced clamshell rear doors and T34-P-7WA engines for improved performance; 50 aircraft were built in total.

Where you'll see it

The USAF operated C-133s from 1957 until 1971, when structural fatigue problems accelerated their retirement; several were lost in unexplained accidents.

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