Aerofax: Fairchild C-82 Packet and C-119 Flying Boxcar

These specialist twin-boom US military freighters have a significant history and are well-known, but underpublished.

First flown in 1944, with deliveries from the end of 1945, the C-82 was the first freighter to really take advantage of the uninterrupted cargo hold and ground-level loading advantages conferred by the twin-boom layout.

A planned lengthy production run was cancelled after VJ-Day so that the total built was 220, some of which served in the Berlin Airlift.

An improved version, redesignated as the C-119, was developed from 1947 with deliveries beginning in 1949.

It featured more powerful engines, a widened fuselage and re-designed cockpit area.

Nearly 1,100 C-119s were built in various versions, the most numerous of which was the C-119G.

The type saw lengthy and important service principally with the United States Air Force Troop Carrier Command wings and with Military Air Transport Service.

It participated extensively in the Korean War, flying from Japan and gave sterling service for many years thereafter.

Overseas customers included Belgium, Italy and Taiwan.

There were also various experimental versions.