UC-45 "Expeditor"

In 1940 the Beech Aircraft Corporation began building variations of the commercial transports, B-18s (C-45) for the Army Air Force. Continued productions in 1941, resulting in interior modifications, brought about the C-45A and C-45B. The standard version was the "F" Model. However, all models were amended to the "L1C" category in January 1943. At this same time, the C-45 acquired the popular name "Expeditor." AT-7s (Model 18s) were equipped for electronic communications and given the nomenclature UC-45C and D. The AT-7B's were amended to UC-45E's. Most of the AT-7 versions of the C-45 were equipped for navigation training; some others for float planes. An AT-11 version of Model 18s was developed from the AT-7 bomber for gunnery. A few AT-11s were modified for navigation training. The FMAL variants of Beech Model 18s were photographic aircraft (F-2 and F-2A) and the "Director" aircraft used for radio-controlled targets (CQ-3). When Air Force aircraft were redesignated in 1948, the AT-7, AT-7C, and AT-11 became T-7, T-7C, and T-11, respectively; F2A's and F2B's became RC-45A's; CQ-3s became DC-45F's. The suffix "J" added to the nomenclature of this aircraft (UC-45J) indicated special features: extended avionics nose and aerodynamic changes to the exhaust system. During the early 1950s, Beech completely rebuilt 900 C-45s for the Air Force. They received new serial numbers and were designated C-45G's and C-45H's, remaining in service until 1963 for administrative and light cargo duties. This aircraft represents the "H" model used by the Air Force in 1954. It was acquired from the U.S. Army, New Cumberland Depot, Pennsylvania, April 14, 1972. This aerospace vehicle (UC-45) is a part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Lackland AFB, Texas · United States