Whilst deployed sparingly in European combat operations, the Curtiss C-46 Commando, military troop and cargo transporter was instrumental in keeping critical supply lines open between the Allied forces in India and Burma and the National Chinese Army struggling to repel the invading Japanese forces.
With all roads and ports leading into mainland China effectively sealed off by the Japanese, the only viable Allied air-resupply route remaining was over the treacherous Himalayan mountains separating China and India.
Known as flying 'The Hump', the route's unpredictable and violent weather, high mountain terrain, and poorly equipped and frequently flooded airfields proved a considerable challenge to many of the transport aircraft then in service, along with a host of engineering and maintenance nightmares due to a shortage of trained air and ground personnel.
The Commando's rugged airframe, powerful 2000 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engines, incredible rate of climb and large, easily-reconfigured cargo-carrying capacity quickly made the C-46 the preferred mode of transport for such a challenging route and by the end of the war, USAAF's Air Transport Command (ATC) were transporting over 71,000 tonnes of supplies to the Chinese Army.
Located on either side of the aircraft's throttle control console, this original Curtiss C-46 Commando, Elevator Trim Tab enabled its pilots to quickly adjust the Commando's flight characteristics in response to its constantly changing cargo weight distribution.
Mounted in its 100yr old, hand-crafted Mango Wood display stand with engraved plaque and highly detailed scale model of a Curtiss C-46 Commando perched atop its magnetic display arm, plus a detailed laminated Fact Sheet featuring a photo of the instrument in the Commando cockpit, this Recovery Curios Aircraft Collectable would make a perfect gift for the pilot or aviation enthusiast in your life.
This Curtiss C-46 Commando Collectable comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in aircraft cockpit
Your Curtiss C-46 Commando, Elevator Trim Tab Wheel, Original Recovery Curios Warbird Collectable includes:
The 1/72 highly detailed scale model is available with wheels & flaps ‘up or down’ and ‘cargo doors open or closed'
Your complete Recovery Curios Original Instrument Collectable is securely packed and delivery normally takes between 6 - 8 weeks approx.
Did you fly, crew or maintain a Curtiss C-46 Commando or have a friend, colleague or family member who did? Check out our PERSONALISED ORIGINAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTABLE OPTION here.