High Gallery
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U. S.
Military Aircraft Fairchild C-123 PROVIDER Photo by RD |
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In 1943 Chase Aircraft was created to develop the XCG-18 assault glider , later developed with two wing mounted radials as the YC-122. This paved the way for the larger XCG-20 glider, which was then developed into the XC-123 that first flew in October 1949 with R-2800-23 radials Production of the C-123 began in 1953, the year in which Kaiser-Frazer bought Chase. Kaiser's order for 300 aircraft was then rewarded to Fairchild. Fairchild production totaled 302 aircraft including 277 for the US Air Force. These enjoyed an unspectacular career, but updated and played an important part in the Vietnam War as utility tactical transport. |
TECHNICAL DATA
| Description | Specifications |
| Manufacturer: Fairchild | Length: 75 ft. 9 in. |
| First Flight: October 1949 | Height: 34 ft. 1 in. |
| Model: B | Wing Span: 110 ft. 0 in. |
| Crew: Two or three | Wing Area: 1,223.0 sq. ft. |
| Nickname: Provider | Empty Weight: 29,900 lb. |
| Basic Role: Tactical Transport | Max. Weight: 60,000 lb. |
| Other Versions: C-123B production model. HC-123B C-123Bs reallocated to the US Coast Guard. UC-123B C-123Bs converted for defoliation in the Vietnam War. C-123J C-123Bs converted for arctic use with Fairchild J44 auxiliary turbojets in wing tip pods. C-123K C-123Bs up grated with two 2,850 thrust General Electric J85-GE--17 turbojets in under wing pods. NC-123K C-123K conversions for armed night surveillance. VC-123K C-123K conversion for VIP transport. | Payload: 61 troops, or 50 litters, six seated casualties, and six attendants, or freight. |
| Principal User: Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Vietnam, Taiwan, USA, and Venezuela. |
Propulsion |
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Performance |
Power Plant: Pratt & Whitney R-2800-99W radial piston engines. |
| Range: 1,470 miles. | Horsepower: 2,300-hp. |
| Max. Speed: 245 mph. | No. Of Engines: Two |
| Ceiling: 29,000 ft. | |
| Climb Rate: 1.150 ft. per minute. |