The McChord Air Museum on the McCord Air Base near Tacoma, Washington displays several airplanes, including two iconic World War II airplanes: the Consolidated SA-10A Catalina and the Douglas DC-3.
Consolidated SA-10A Catalina
The OA-10 was the Army Air Force version of the Navy PBY (Patrol; Bomber; Consolidate Aircraft). It first flew in 1934. The Catalina was the most widely used amphibian every built. When production ceased in 1945, a total of 3,281 had been built. The USAAF acquired 380 OA-10s for air-sea rescue missions during World War II. In 1948, the surviving OA-10s were re-designated as the SA-10A (Search Amphibian).
According to the Museum:
“The history of aviation is studded with the exploits of this remarkable amphibian. It is an aircraft that takes is place along side the Douglas C-47 for it’s long and distinguished career.”
This aircraft has a range of 2,550 miles, a top speed of 180 mph, and a cruising speed of 117 mph.
Douglas C-47
The C-47 was used for personnel transport, cargo hauling, troop carrier, glider tug, navigation trainer, and in the Vietnam war it was used as an airborne gun platform. Almost 11,000 C-47 aircraft were manufactured by 1945, when production ceased.
This aircraft carries a crew of 3 to 5 and has a top speed of 229 mph.
More airplanes
McChord Air Museum: Bolo and Dragon (photo diary)
McChord Air Museum: Delta Dagger and Delta Dart (photo diary)
McChord Air Museum: The Twin Beech (photo diary)
Evergreen Aviation: Sea Planes and Sailplanes (photo diary)
Yanks Air Museum: World War II Bombers (Photo Diary)
Planes of Fame: The Flying Fortress (Photo Diary)
Museum of Flight: World War II bombers (photo diary)
Air Force Museum: World War II cargo aircraft (photo diary)
