NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The C-46 was the largest twin engine aircraft to fly U.S. military operations during the second World War. The aircraft, built by the Curtiss Company, and known as the Commando, was used to transport troops and haul cargo.
The twin engine airplane was originally intended as a civil airliner, designed for up to 36 seats in a pressurized cabin. However, the U.S. military purchased all Curtiss C-46 Commando production when World War II broke out.
The military aircraft differed from the civil versions in having larger doors and a reinforced deck for the handling of heavy cargo.
With upgrades, the C-46 Commando became the major cargo hauling aircraft of the Pacific Theatre. It is probably best known for its missions flying supplies over the Himalaya Mountains between Burma and China known as the “Hump.”
This was primarily in support of the Flying Tigers and the Chinese Army. The aircraft also saw limited action over Germany deploying paratroopers.
The design of the aircraft was unique for a transport aircraft of the time. Its fuselage was shaped to enhance high altitude pressurized flight. Powerful engines combined with extensive streamlining enabled it to cruise at higher speeds and altitudes, and carry higher payloads than other twin engine transports of the time.
The Commando has had a long and distinguished career. After World War II it served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. It remained deployed with the American military into1968.
A small number of aircraft continue to fly today for companies around the world. A total of over 3,000 Curtiss C-46 Commando aircraft of all types were produced.
Pictured above is the rc giant scale C-46 Commando from a kit for sale by American Eagle. It has a 118" wingspan. Construction materials used are epoxy glass for the fuselage and foam for the wings. You will need G38 or larger engines for power.
The first picture below is of a scratch built rc giant scale C-46 Commando by Sergio Vergara. Wingspan is 122". Sergio finished his rc C-46 Commando in flight metal and equipped it with wheel brakes, retracts, and a mini lighting system. Power comes from a pair of Saito 300 engines turning 19" three blade props. It has an all up weight of 52 lbs.
The second picture below is of the rc Curtiss Commando built from Diels Engineering FF Plans. They were enlarged and converted to produce a 59" wingspan scale model radio control airplane.
Kit Cutters has a rc giant scale C-46 Commando kit for sale. It is made from Jerry Bates Plans which are available separately. Wingspan is 96" and length is 68". Power may be from .40 to .60 two cycle engines. Weight is around 16 1/2 lbs. It is in the next picture below.
Pictured on the bottom of this page is a 1/72 scale plastic model of the rc C-46 Commando from a Williams Brothers kit. The scale model airplane has a wingspan of 18". There are 91 kit parts and decals for six different paint schemes including military and civilian.
We have seen comments that extra attention is needed cleaning flash from the kit plastic parts for a proper look and fit.
We knew WW II veterans who flew "over the Hump" in the C-46 Commando, and the aircraft have a special meaning to us. It is unfortunate that there appear to be only two rc airplane kits available of this historic aircraft.
Please email us if you know of a rc C-46 Commando.
Curtiss C-46 Commando
