Beechcraft Expeditor (Beech 18)
The Beech 18 light commercial transport that first flew on January 15, 1937 is the civilian model of the military C-45. 5,204 military models were delivered during World War 2.
A number of C-45 transports served with the RCAF from 1944-1967 under the name Expeditor 3NM, 3NMT, 3T, etc., as a twin-engine navigational trainer, crew transport and a “hack”, or taxi. Versions of both the C-45 and its civil counterpart, the Model 18, served with thirty of the world’s air forces.
Between 1958 and 1964, the two local RCAF Auxiliary units (442 and 443 Sqns) flew about a dozen of these aircraft.
One of the first business airplanes readily available surplus after WW2, these popular aircraft underwent many modifications and engine variations. Some, including a few fitted with seaplane floats, still fly commercially.
This aircraft served with RCAF 401 (Aux) Sqn (Montreal), 403 (Aux) Sqn (Calgary), plus RCAF Stations Rivers, Portage la Prairie and Summerside. It was sold as surplus in the 1960’s and bore the civilian registration CF-CKT, and during its career was used for smoke jumping.
Purchased by the Canadian Museum of Flight in 1982 it was airlifted to the museum in 1984 from Abbotsford Airport by Okanagan Helicopters.
There are a lot of Beech 18’s still flying, a lot are on floats and used to transport customers to remote locations. One is even used in the US as a stunt plane! The owner has it outfitted with led lights so it can perform even nighttime.
Technical Details:
- Serial: CA180/A782, CF-CKT, RCAF 2307
- Manufactured: 1952
- Engines: Two 450 hp P & W R-985-AN-3 nine-cylinder radial (click for details)
- Maximum speed: 225 mph (362 kph)
- Empty weight: 5,785 lb (2624 kg)
- Loaded weight: 9,000 lb (4082 kg)
- Span: 47 ft 7 in (14.5 m)
- Length: 33 ft 11 in (10.3 m)
- Height: 9 ft 3 in (2.8 m)
- Wing Area: 349 sq ft (32.4 sq m)
Fun fact: Some Beech 18’s were used for training bombardiers during WWII. These would be fitted with a plexiglass front, to simulate a full size bomber. Trainees would drop practice bombs. 90% of all bombardiers participating in WW2 were trained in a Beech 18.