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Curtiss C-46
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Specifications

        Primary Function:
        Crew:
        Engines:
        Power:
        Weight Empty:
        Max. Weight:
        Seats:
        Payload:
        Length:
        Wingspan:
        Cruise Speed:
        Max. Speed:
        Initial Climb:
        Ceiling:
        Range:
        First Flight:
        Year Deployed:
transport
four
P&W R2800 radials
2 x 2,100 h.p. ea.
33,000 lbs.
50,000 lbs.
50 troops
11,630 lbs.
76' 4"
108' 0"
185 mph
270 mph
1,600 fpm
22,000 feet
1,800 miles
3/26/40
1941








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The Curtiss C-46 was the largest twin engine aircraft to fly U.S. military operations during the Second World War. The aircraft, built by the Curtiss Company, and known as the Commando, was used to transport troops and haul cargo.

The twin engine Curtiss C-46 was originally intended as a civil airliner, designed for up to 36 seats in a pressurized cabin. However, the U.S. military purchased all Curtiss C-46 production when World War II broke out.

The military Curtiss C-46 differed from the civil versions in having larger doors and a reinforced deck for the handling of heavy cargo.

With upgrades, the Curtiss C-46 became the major cargo hauling aircraft of the Pacific Theatre. It is probably best known for its missions flying supplies over the Himalaya Mountains between Burma and China known as the “Hump.”  This was primarily in support of the Flying Tigers and the Chinese Army. The aircraft also saw limited action over Germany deploying paratroopers.

The design of the Curtiss C-46 was unique for a transport aircraft of the time. Its fuselage was shaped to enhance high altitude pressurized flight. Powerful engines combined with extensive streamlining enabled it to cruise at higher speeds and altitudes, and carry higher payloads than other twin engine transports of the time.  The shortcoming of its short fuselage and high profile is its difficulty to fly in strong cross winds.

The Curtiss C-46 has had a long and distinguished career. After World War II it served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. It remained deployed with the American military into1968.

A small number of aircraft continue to fly today for companies around the world. A total of over 3,000 Curtiss C-46 aircraft of all types were produced.



Curtiss C-46
American Eagle Curtiss C-46.


Pictured above is the Curtiss C-46 from American Eagle. It has a 118" wingspan. Construction materials used are epoxy glass for the fuselage and foam for the wings.  You will need G38 or larger engines for power.

The first picture below is of a scratch built Curtiss C-46 by Sergio Vergara. Wingspan is 122". Sergio finished his rc C-46 Commando in flight metal and equipped it with wheel brakes, retracts, and a mini lighting system. Power comes from a pair of Saito 300 engines turning 19" three blade props.  It has an all up weight of 52 lbs.

The second picture below is of the Curtiss C-46 built from Diels Engineering FF Plans. They were enlarged and converted to produce a 59" wingspan scale model radio control airplane.

Kit Cutters has a Curtiss C-46 for sale. It is made from Jerry Bates Plans that are available separately. Wingspan is 96" and length is 68". Power may be from .40 to .60 two cycle engines. Weight is around 16 1/2 lbs. It is in the next picture below.

The Fly RC Models Curtiss C-46 has a 114" wingspan and is 77" long. It needs from .90 to 1.20 two stroke or from 1.20 to 1.50 four stroke engine power.

Pictured on the bottom of this page is the Curtiss C-46 from a Williams Brothers kit. The scale model airplane has a wingspan of 18".  There are 91 kit parts and decals for six different paint schemes including military and civilian.  We have seen comments that extra attention is needed cleaning flash from the kit plastic parts for a proper look and fit.

We knew WW II veterans who flew "over the Hump" in the Curtiss C-46, and the aircraft have a special meaning to us.

Please email us if you know of a Curtiss C-46 we need to include here. 


Curtiss C-46
The Curtiss C-46 by Sergio Vergara.


Curtiss C-46
Diels Engineering Curtiss C-46.


Curtiss C-46
Kit Cutters Curtiss C-46.


Curtiss C-46
1/72 scale Curtiss C-46.