curtiss c-46 – Marvelous Air Museums

One Motor, Many Planes

The Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force features a number of spectacular pieces of World War II flying history. Their first acquisition was the massive Curtiss C-46 Commando, the largest twin-engine plane built by the allies during the war. The pride of their fleet is the North American PBJ maritime patrol bomber, theContinue reading “One Motor, Many Planes”

Commemorative Air Force SoCal Wing Image Gallery

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Curtiss C-46-Commando

The history of the C-46F “China Doll” is typical of post-WWII surplus transport aircraft. “China Doll” was one of 234 C-46Fs built at the Curtiss plant in Buffalo NY. She rolled off the assembly line and was accepted in July 1945, with Curtiss Construction No 22486 and AAF serial No 44-78663. Records indicate that earlyContinue reading “Curtiss C-46-Commando”