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Fairchild C-82A Packet

Designed in 1941 in response to an Army Air Force requirement for a new cargo plane capable of ground-level loading, paratroop operations, and glider towing, the C-82 incorporated several innovations that have become standard in military cargo aircraft.  These include rear loading doors, a high wing, and an unobstructed cargo area.  The rear passenger doors allowed the easy dropping of paratroopers and the removal of the rear clam-shell doors allowed the dropping of larger cargos and vehicles.  The C-82 first flew in September 1944 and over 220 had been delivered when production ended in 1948.

Wingspan

106 ft 5 in.

Length

77 ft 1 in.

Height

26 ft 4 in.

Weight

54,000 lbs (loaded)

Maximum Speed

248 MPH

Service Ceiling

21,200 ft

Range

3,875 miles

Engines

Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-85 radials with 2,100 horsepower each

Crew

4 with 44-81 passengers

Manufacturer
Fairchild

Markings
7th Geodetic Squadron, 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Group, Forbes AFB, Kansas, 1949

Designation
C-82A

Registration
N6997C

Serial Number
44-23006