Beech UC-45J 'Expediter'
Based on the Beech Model 18 commercial light transport, the C-45 was first ordered by the Army Air Corps in 1940. Ultimately it would be used by both Army and Navy in a variety of configurations. Passenger seating varied from six to eight in the various models.
U.S. Navy Bu.No. 51291 was built as a SNB-2 (later redesignated UC-45) and delivered on October 6, 1943. It served at a number of Naval Air Stations including NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, and NAS El Toro, California. It ended its Navy career at the Naval Weapons Lab at NAS Dahlgren, Maryland in June, 1966 with over 12,000 hours in its logbook. The aircraft was delivered by truck to McClellan in September, 1988 and placed on display after restoration in April, 1992. It is painted as a USAF C-45J, and given the S/N 42-51291.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Crew: Two, six to eight passengers.
Power Plants: Two R-985-AN-3 engines.
Dimensions:
Span: 47 ft 8 in.
Length: 34 ft 3 in.
Height: 9 ft 8 in.
Weight: Empty - 5,890 lbs. Gross - 7,850 lbs.
Performance:
Max. Speed: 215 mph.
Service Ceiling: 20,000 ft.
Range: 700 miles.