Fairchild C-119C Flying Boxcar

Fairchild · United States · first flew 1949 · transport aircraft

The C-119C Flying Boxcar is an early production variant of the Fairchild C-119, featuring twin Wright R-3350 radial engines and the characteristic twin-boom layout with rear clamshell cargo doors.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	26.36 m fuselage
T — Tail	Twin fin

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Spot it by:

Twin-boom high-wing transport with clamshell rear cargo doors
Twin piston engines in prominent wing nacelles
Early production C-119 variant — Wright R-3350 Duplex Cyclone engines

The twin-boom layout, high wing, and large box-like central fuselage with clamshell rear doors are unmistakable; the C-119C's Wright R-3350 engines in oval nacelles distinguish it from later Pratt & Whitney-powered variants.

Specifications

The Fairchild C-119C Flying Boxcar has a length of 26.36 m (86 ft).
It has a wingspan of 33.3 m (109 ft).
Its maximum speed is 457 km/h (284 mph).
Typical crew: 5.

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

History

The C-119C was among the first production variants to enter large-scale USAF service, incorporating lessons from the initial C-119B. It saw extensive service in the Korean War, where its clamshell doors enabled aerial delivery of supplies and equipment to UN forces.

Variants

The C-119 family spanned variants from C-119B through C-119G and beyond; the C-119C introduced improvements over the B model, while the later C-119F and G added more powerful engines.

Where you'll see it

Served widely with the USAF and was supplied to numerous allied air forces including Italy, Belgium, India, and Taiwan; saw combat in Korea and later in various regional conflicts.

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