In 1940 Curtiss-Wright first flew the prototype CW-20, a 36-seat
commercial airliner. The U.S. Army was interested in the aircraft as
a transport which entered service as the C-46 Commando in 1942. Over
3,000 were built.
Although the Commando is overshadowed in fame by the Douglas
C-47, the C-46 could carry a far greater load and was instrumental in
supplying forces in China flying over "the Hump" (Himalayas)
from India.
Specifications
(C-46A)
Designations
Type: Transport
Engine: two 2,000 hp (1492 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-2800-51
radial piston engines
