Curtiss C-46 Commando

The Curtiss C-46 Commando was a large twin-engine transport that served the U.S. Army Air Forces throughout World War II. Developed from the unsuccessful CW-20 airliner, it first flew in 1940 and entered service in 1942. With more powerful engines and a larger fuselage than the C-47, the Commando could carry heavier loads at higher altitudes, making it especially valuable flying 'the Hump' over the Himalayas to supply China. More than 3,000 were built.

Though it earned a reputation for being difficult to maintain and prone to fuel-system problems, the C-46 hauled enormous quantities of cargo and troops in the Pacific and Asian theaters. It continued in military and civil service for decades after the war.