This is a Aircraft I worked on when I was stationed in Phan Rang AFB Republic of Viet Nam. I also worked on F-100s, But this plane and its history takes me back. I remember prepping it for its return flight to the U.S. Then I didn't hear about it till it turned up in Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio. The history is pretty much speaks for it self. I just wish I had gotten a few pictures with me included. :) And forgot to tell you it had nose art featuring Barney Googles.. if you don't know who he is. google it  LOL :)

   

RTS

 

FAIRCHILD C-123K PROVIDER The Provider was a short-range assault transport used to airlift troops and cargo onto short runways and unprepared airstrips. Designed by Chase Aircraft, the C-123 evolved from earlier large assault glider designs. The prototype XC-123 made its initial flight in October 1949, powered by two piston engines. A second prototype was built as the XG-20 glider and later test-flown with four jet engines. The production version, with two piston engines, was designated the C-123B. Chase began manufacture in 1953, but the production contract was transferred to Fairchild. The first of more than 300 Fairchild-built C-123Bs entered service in July 1955. Between 1966 and 1969, 184 C-123Bs were converted to C-123Ks by adding two J85 jet engines for improved performance. The aircraft on display entered service in 1957 as a C-123B. From 1961-1972, it served in Vietnam -- first as a UC-123B, then as a UC-123K -- flying low-level defoliant and insecticide spray missions. During that time it received over 1,000 bullet and shrapnel hits. Its nickname Patches derives from the metal patches that cover many of its battle scars. It is also decorated with seven Purple Hearts earned by crewmen wounded in the aircraft. It was flown to the museum in June 1980. TECHNICAL NOTES: Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800s of 2,500 hp each and two General Electric J85s of 2,850 lbs. thrust each Maximum speed: 240 mph Cruising speed: 170 mph Range: 1,825 miles Ceiling: 28,000 ft. Span: 110 ft. Length: 76 ft. 3 in. Height: 34 ft. 6 in. Weight: 60,000 lbs. maximum Serial number: 56-4362