Product Review

This adaptation of the Model 18 "Twin Beech" series was introduced to the military in 1939. It was used by the USAAF (later becoming USAF), US Navy, USMC, and the British and Canadian forces through Land-Lease. The Model 18 was in production from 1937 to 1970, 9,000 were created in 32 different varieties. The C-45 saw use in World War II and the Korean War; where it was used as light transport, VIP transport, and mission liaison roles. The exterior contained a short nose assembly, framed cockpit position, tapered fuselage, low-set wing assemblies, H-style tail unit, and engines fitted into streamlined nacelles at each wing leading edge. This aircraft was powered by Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior radial piston engines at 450-horsepower each powering twin blade propellers. The maximum speed was 225 MPH with a cruising speed about 211 MPH, ranging 1,200 miles with a ceiling of about 18,500 feet. The aircraft held 2 pilots and 9 passengers depending on cabin configuration. Cabin space could be optimized for photo reconnaissance equipment, MEDEVAC, and light cargo hauling.