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Fairchild C-123K Provider

The C-123 began in 1949, as a design for an all-metal cargo glider from Chase Aircraft.  It was designed from the beginning to be easily converted to a powered cargo aircraft and the first powered prototype flew in October 1949.  Chase Aircraft produced five flight testing aircraft before difficulties within the company resulted in the Air Force canceling the contract with them and turning further development and production of the aircraft over to Fairchild in June 1953.  A total of 302 C-123Bs were produced for the U.S. Air Force.  In the late 1960s, 183 Providers were converted to C-123K status by the addition of two General Electric J85 turbojet engines under the wings.  These aircraft served until the early 1980s.  Surplus Providers were converted to aerial fire fighters and fought forest fires throughout the Western U.S. until the early 1990s.

Wingspan

110 ft

Length

75 ft 9 in.

Height

34 ft 1 in.

Weight

60,000 lbs (loaded)

Maximum Speed

228 MPH

Service Ceiling

21,100 ft

Range

1,035 miles

Engines

Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-99W radials with 2,300 horsepower each. Two General Electric J85-GE-17 turbo jets with 2,850 pounds thrust each

Crew

2 with 61 troops

Manufacturer
Fairchild

Markings
Ryan Air Attack, Hemet, California, 1989

Designation
C-123K

Registration
N3142D

Serial Number
54-580