Douglas C-124C “Globemaster II”
S/N 53-0050
Crew: Eight
Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney R4360-63A radials; 3,800 hp each
Wingspan: 174 ft 1 in
Length: 130 ft 0 in
Height: 48 ft 4 in
Weight: max: 216,000 lbs
Speed: max: 271 mph at sea level; 230 mph at 10,000 ft
Range: 4,030 miles (with 26,375 lbs of cargo)
Service Ceiling: 18,400 ft
Armament: None
Cost: $1,646,000
This week we are featuring the C-124C know as “Old Shaky.” The C-124 at the Hill Aerospace Museum was manufactured by Douglas Aircraft Corporation in Long Beach, CA. It was delivered to the United States Air Force in May of 1955 where it was assigned to the 15th Air Transport Squadron (Heavy) in Dover Air Force Base located in Delaware.
In October 1955, it was moved to Goose Air Base in Labrador to serve with the 6606th Air Base Wing, Northeast Air Command for a few days before being returned to Dover AFB. While stationed at Dover, the C-124 was transferred to the 1607th Flight line Maintenance Squadron (MATS) and then on to 607th Air Transport Wing (Heavy) in February 1958.
Hill Air Force Base first received this Globemaster II when it was stationed here with the 1501st Air Transport Wing (Heavy) in June 1965. Just two months later, August 1965, it was transferred to McChord Air Force Base in Washington where it remained until November 1969 with the 62nd Air Transport Wint (Heavy). Finally it was stationed with the 151st Military Airlift Group (Air National Guard) at the Salt Lake City Airport.
In June 1972 the United States Air Force dropped the aircraft from the inventory and transferred it to the United States Army. It stayed at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland where it was used a storage facility. It was scheduled to be used for ballistic research but the Hill Aerospace Museum acquired it in 1992 for static display.
There were 448 C-124 aircraft produced before they were retired in 1974. IT was capable of carrying 68,500 pounds of cargo in the 77 foot cargo bay. The cargo bay featured two overhead hoists each could lift 8,000 pounds. Old Shaky had the ability to carry tanks, guns, trucks, heavy equipment, or 200 fully equipped troops. The C-124 was the only aircraft of its time with the capability to transport heavy equipment without disassembly.
