Convair C-131F (R4Y-1) Samaritan

A picture of the Convair C-131F Samaritan

Based on the Convair CV-340 airliner and given the Navy designation R4Y-1 a total of 36 Samaritans served the U.S. Navy as staff transports.  Essentially identical to the civil version the primary difference between them is the addition of a large cargo door on the side of the military aircraft.  The civil CV-340 was designed as an upgrade to the earlier CV-240.  It first flew in October 1951.  The first were delivered to the military in 1952 and they continued in service until well into the 1980s.  The Samaritan performed an unglamorous, but vital role by moving military personnel quickly and efficiently between bases.

Wingspan

105 ft 4 in.

Length

81 ft 6 in.

Height

29 ft 2 in.

Weight

54,600 lbs (loaded)

Maximum Speed

293 MPH

Maximum Altitude

24,500 ft

Range

1,605 miles

Engines

Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-99W radials with 2,500 HP each

Crew

4 and 44 passengers

Manufacturer
Convair

Markings
Naval Air Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 1986

Serial Number
141017

Designation
C-131F

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