Fairchild C-123K Provider (USA)
Visit us on:
Museum Hours:
April 1- September 30
9:00am - 5:00pm
October 1 - March 31
10:00am - 4:00pm
The museum is open
daily year round (weather permitting),
except for the following days:
New Year's Day,
Easter,
Thanksgiving and
Christmas Day.
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The Castle Air Museum is chartered by the Department of Education and operated by the Castle Air Museum Foundation, Inc., a private not-for-profit corporation,
tax-exempt under IRS Code 501 (c)(3). The mission of the Museum is to preserve military aviation history for future generations.
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Specifications
Country of Origin:
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United States
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Manufacturer:
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Fairchild Engine & Airplane Corporation (Fairchild Aviation)
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Role/Function:
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Assault Transport
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Serial Number:
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55-4512
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Model Number/Mk #:
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Model 205
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Crew:
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2 + 50 passengers or 24,000 lbs. of cargo
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Power Plant:
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2 - 2,500 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800-99W radial engines and 2 - 2,850 lbf. (13kN) each General Electric J-85-GE-17 turbojets
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Maximum Speed:
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240 mph. (with jets)
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Cruising Speed:
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228 mph.
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Service Ceiling:
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25,000 ft.
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Range:
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1,340 mi.
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Weights:
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Empty: 35,366 lbs. Maximum: 62,000 lbs.
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Wing Span:
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110 ft.
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Length:
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76 ft. 3 in.
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Height:
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34 ft. 1 in.
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Wing Area:
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1,223 ft²
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Armament:
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None. 2 - M61 Vulcan 20mm cannons on AC-119K variant
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Cost:
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n/a
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Number Built:
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183 converted from C-123B's
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# in Current Service:
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Retired from military service in 1990
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In 1962, the U.S. Air Force began Operation Ranch Hand, in which the Agent Orange defoliant was used. Its purpose was to expose the trails used by the Viet Cong to supply their troops in the jungle. One of these Providers crashed in February 1962. Its crew of three were killed, becoming the first U.S. Air Force members to lose their lives in the conflict.
The aircraft on display at Castle Air Museum started its life as a C-123B version which entered service in November 1956. In 1967, it was modified to a C-123K version. During its life, it served with the Tactical Air Command, the Air Defense Command, and the Air Force Logistics Command. In 1972, it was transferred to the U.S. Air Force Reserve until its retirement in 1980.
Other Points of Interest: