Convair VC-131 'Samaritan'
Based upon the Convair Model 440 commercial airliner, the VC-131 was made for transporting officials and government dignitaries. This aircraft served as transportation for the Governor of California.
USAF S/N 54-2822 is a VC-131-CO, one of 16 built by Consolidated Vultee Aircraft (CONVAIR) in San Diego, California and 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: Empty - 29,248 lbs. Gross - 47,000 lbs.
Performance:
Max. Speed: 293 mph; Cruise - 254 mph.
Service Ceiling: 24,500 ft.
Range: 450 miles.