Convair VC-131D Samaritan
Based upon the Convair Model 440 commercial airliner, VC-131D aircraft were acquired for transporting government officials and dignitaries. With improved soundproofing over earlier Model 340 aircraft, they could comfortably seat up to 44 passengers. These aircraft were assigned to Headquarters units of various military commands throughout the world.
During its career, this aircraft served as transportation for a variety of dignitaries including Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, the Shah of Iran, prior to being allocated to California Air National Guard where it served as “California One”, the official aircraft for the Governor of California, and was used by Governors Brown and Deukmajian.
USAF S/N 54-2822 is a VC-131-CO, one of 16 built by Consolidated Vultee Aircraft (CONVAIR) in San Diego, California. It was delivered to the Air Force on March 15, 1955. It was first assigned to the 4500th Support Squadron (TAC), Langley AFB, Virginia. In December 1957 it moved to the 7100st Support Wing (USAFE), Wiesbaden AB, Germany; returning to the 4500th Support Squadron at Langley AFB, Virginia in February 1958. It was assigned to the 7415th Support Group (USAFE), Orly Field, Paris, France in September, 1958; then the 317th Air Base Group (USAFE), Evreux/Fauville AB, France in October, 1958; the 513th Troop Carrier Wing (USAFE), Orly Field, France in April, 1966; the 7101st Air Base Wing (USAFE), Chievres, Belgium and Echterdingen Army Field, Germany in October, 1967; to the Military Assistance Group (USAFE), Teheran, Iran in July, 1973; and the 144th Fighter Interceptor Wing (ANG), Fresno, California in May, 1978. While with the 144th the aircraft was known as “California One”, and it was based for much of the time at McClellan AFB. The aircraft was presented to the museum after its final flight on June 27, 1989.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Crew: Three to four. Power Plants: Two Pratt-Whitney R-2800-99W radial engines rated at 2,500 hp. Dimensions:
Span: 105 ft 4 in. Length: 79 ft 2 in. Height: 28 ft 2 in. Weight: 29,248 lbs Empty. Gross - 47,000 lbs.
Performance: Max. Speed: 293 mph; Cruise - 254 mph. Service Ceiling: 24,500 ft. Range: 450 miles.
THIS AIRCRAFT IS ON LOAN FROM THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE USAF