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From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
On-site signage:
This 1941 Dodge Fire Truck originally belonged to the Greybull [Wyoming] Fire Department. In the early 1970s Hawkins & Powers purchased it from the Town of Greybull and used the truck to wash aircraft.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
On-site signage:
This 1941 Dodge Fire Truck originally belonged to the Greybull [Wyoming] Fire Department. In the early 1970s Hawkins & Powers purchased it from the Town of Greybull and used the truck to wash aircraft.
What strikes me about this plane is how modern-looking it is compared to all the other aircraft on display at the Museum of Flight and Aerial Firefighting, although it dates to the late 1940s. Its history as the first "Air Force One" is remarkable (see below).
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted.
Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
Flash forward to the 21st century, per the museum brochure:
Aero Commander 500
Aero Commander 500 is a light twin engine piston aircraft. It was originally built by the Aero Design and Engineering Company in the late 1940’s. It was renamed the Aero Commander Company in1950 and became a division of Rockwell International in 1965. The initial production version was the 200 mph, seven seat, Aero Commander 520. This aircraft, N6252X was built in 1962 and is an Aero Commander 500B. It has two Lycoming IO-540-B/E engines that produce 290 horse power each. The maximum take off weight is 6750 pounds and it seats seven. It has approximately 4000 hours of flight time being an air attack platform for forest fires around the United States. In being used in this capacity, it flies above the fire with a pilot and a trained government aerial observer to direct air traffic to different divisions of personnel on the ground.
This Aero Commander was donated to the Museum by Bridger Aerospace in Bozeman, Montana.
-----------------------
Montanans will note that Bridger Aerospace ("AERIAL FIREFIGHTING & SPECIAL MISSIONS" per the website) was founded by Tim Sheehy (and others); as of 2024, Sheehy, a Trump Republican sycophant, is running for state senator against Montana's long-time, and much-trusted Democratic senator Jon Tester. Because of Sheey's affiliation with Trump, it is a distinct possibility he will unseat Tester, a very worrisome outcome.
Also note, Bridger Aerospace is reporting multi-million dollar losses in recent years. Turns out Sheehy is just another "great businessman" wants to be a leader in Washington.
----------------------
On-site signage:
Aero Commander 500B
Aero Commander 500 is a light twin engine piston aircraft built for carrying passengers or personnel transport. A turbo prop version is more commonly used today. The military version, U-4B became a presidential transport for Dwight D. Eisenhower between 1950 and 1960. This was the smallest “Air Force One,” and the first to wear the now familiar blue and white livery. It was originally built by Aero Design and Engineering Company in the late 1940s. It was renamed the Aero Commander Company ink 1950 and a division of Rockwell International in 1965. The initial production version was the 200 mph, seven seat, Aero Commander 500B.
This aircraft has approximately 4000hrs of flight as an Air Attack aircraft for forest fires around the United States. When being used as an Air Attack aircraft it will fly above a fire with a pilot and a trained government observer to direct air traffic to different divisions on the ground to assist ground personnel.
Specifications:
Crew 1 to 2
Passengers 4 to 5
Aircraft Length 36 ft 9.75 in.
Wing Span 49 ft. 0.50 in.
Aircraft Height: 14 ft. 6.00 in.
Take off weight 6750 lbs.
Engines (2) Lycoming IO-540-E1B5-290 hp ea.
Maximum Speed 215 mph.
Cruise Speed 203 mph.
Range 1,078 miles
Service Ceiling 19,400 ft.
What strikes me about this plane is how modern-looking it is compared to all the other aircraft on display at the Museum of Flight and Aerial Firefighting, although it dates to the late 1940s. Its history as the first "Air Force One" is remarkable (see below).
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted.
Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
Flash forward to the 21st century, per the museum brochure:
Aero Commander 500
Aero Commander 500 is a light twin engine piston aircraft. It was originally built by the Aero Design and Engineering Company in the late 1940’s. It was renamed the Aero Commander Company in1950 and became a division of Rockwell International in 1965. The initial production version was the 200 mph, seven seat, Aero Commander 520. This aircraft, N6252X was built in 1962 and is an Aero Commander 500B. It has two Lycoming IO-540-B/E engines that produce 290 horse power each. The maximum take off weight is 6750 pounds and it seats seven. It has approximately 4000 hours of flight time being an air attack platform for forest fires around the United States. In being used in this capacity, it flies above the fire with a pilot and a trained government aerial observer to direct air traffic to different divisions of personnel on the ground.
This Aero Commander was donated to the Museum by Bridger Aerospace in Bozeman, Montana.
-----------------------
Montanans will note that Bridger Aerospace ("AERIAL FIREFIGHTING & SPECIAL MISSIONS" per the website) was founded by Tim Sheehy (and others); as of 2024, Sheehy, a Trump Republican sycophant, is running for state senator against Montana's long-time, and much-trusted Democratic senator Jon Tester. Because of Sheey's affiliation with Trump, it is a distinct possibility he will unseat Tester, a very worrisome outcome.
Also note, Bridger Aerospace is reporting multi-million dollar losses in recent years. Turns out Sheehy is just another "great businessman" wants to be a leader in Washington.
----------------------
On-site signage:
Aero Commander 500B
Aero Commander 500 is a light twin engine piston aircraft built for carrying passengers or personnel transport. A turbo prop version is more commonly used today. The military version, U-4B became a presidential transport for Dwight D. Eisenhower between 1950 and 1960. This was the smallest “Air Force One,” and the first to wear the now familiar blue and white livery. It was originally built by Aero Design and Engineering Company in the late 1940s. It was renamed the Aero Commander Company ink 1950 and a division of Rockwell International in 1965. The initial production version was the 200 mph, seven seat, Aero Commander 500B.
This aircraft has approximately 4000hrs of flight as an Air Attack aircraft for forest fires around the United States. When being used as an Air Attack aircraft it will fly above a fire with a pilot and a trained government observer to direct air traffic to different divisions on the ground to assist ground personnel.
Specifications:
Crew 1 to 2
Passengers 4 to 5
Aircraft Length 36 ft 9.75 in.
Wing Span 49 ft. 0.50 in.
Aircraft Height: 14 ft. 6.00 in.
Take off weight 6750 lbs.
Engines (2) Lycoming IO-540-E1B5-290 hp ea.
Maximum Speed 215 mph.
Cruise Speed 203 mph.
Range 1,078 miles
Service Ceiling 19,400 ft.
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted.
Musem Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
BEECHCRAFT MODEL 18 or Twin Beech
Beechcraft Model 18 is also know as a Twin Beech. It is a twin-engine transport, and trainer, accommodating a pilot and seven passengers for transport. The first aircraft were introduced in1937 and production ended in November 1969 after building over 9,000 aircraft. The aircraft were sold worldwide by Beech Aircraft Corporation of Wichita, Kansas, to be used for civilian passenger, utility and transporting cargo. There were used in WWII and known as C-45’s and depending on which branch of the service they were in, named Expeditor, Navigator or Kansan. In the military they were used for training flight crews, navigators, and bombardiers. Hawkins & Powers Aviation owned 3 Beech 18’s and used them for seeding, spraying, and personnel transport. The U.S. Forest Service used this type of aircraft in the past for a personnel transport, utility, cargo and transporting smokejumpers to fires. This aircraft is on permanent loan from the U.S. Forest Service.
Specification: Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN 1 Wasp Junior engines 450-hp each
Length: 34 ft. 3 in.
Wingspan: 47 fr. 8 in.
Height: 9 ft/ 8 in.
Empty Weight: 6175 lb
Max Take Off: 8727 lbs
Max Speed: 215 mph
Brochure:
The Beech 18 or Twin Beech is a two-engine light transport and trainer. It started life as a transport for the American civilian market in the late 1930s and were built by the Beechcraft Aircraft Corporation of Wichita, KS. They were continuously produced from 1937 to November of 1969 with over 9,000 being built during that time. The military took them over during World War II and their name was changed to C-45. The military used them for transport and bombing/gunnery training. After the war the beech went back to being a civilian transport and was considered to be the eminent businessmans’s aircraft and feeder airliner. It was also used for spraying, mail delivery, movie making, skywriting, banner towing – it was a very versatile aircraft/ Later the US forest service used them for smoke jumpers and cargo transport. There are still many Beech 18s privately owned around the world with 250 in the United States still on the FAA Aircraft Registry as of 2017. This Twin Beech is on loan from the US Forest Service.
Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
Transcriptions are verbatim except as noted:
On-site signage: Lockheed P2V-7 Neptune
This aircraft was donated to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Photography by Richard Camp of Lewes, DE and “Save a Neptune,” a non-profit organization that was trying to raise money to restore the aircraft to fly to air shows, etc. Thank you so much Richard and “Save the Neptune!”
The P-2V Neptune was a Maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. It was developed for the United States Navy by Lockheed. The concept began early in WWII but was consider[ed] a low priority compared to other aircraft. The first aircraft was accepted into military service in 1947. The Neptune was designed to be a land-based aircraft and never made carrier landings. It was retired from military duty in 1978.
The P-2V has been flown by several civilian firefighting operations starting in the late 90’s or early 90’s. It is in use today as an air tanker-however, 2017 is to be the last year the USFS will use the Neptune for firefighting. It is being replaced by all jet or turbine power aircraft.
As an air tanker the P-2V has a 2 man crew and when it was used by the military it had a 7-9 man crew. It is powered by 2 x Westinghouse J34-WE-34 Turbo-compound radial engines that produced 3700 hp each and engines are only used for takeoff and while the aircraft is at low level on a fire. It is capable of carrying around 2000 gallons of retardant.
Length: 91 ft 8in Maximum speed: 363 mph
Wingspan: 103ft 10in Cruise speed: 207 mph
Height: 29ft 4 in Range: 2,157 mi
Empty Weight: 49,935 lb Service ceiling: 22,400 ft
Max takeoff weight: 79,895 lb
The decal shows the original Naval duty of this plane, before it fought fires. Naval Squadron 67 was known as the "Golden Hawks."
Transcriptions are verbatim except as noted:
Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
On-site signage: Lockheed P2V-7 Neptune
This aircraft was donated to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Photography by Richard Camp of Lewes, DE and “Save a Neptune,” a non-profit organization that was trying to raise money to restore the aircraft to fly to air shows, etc. Thank you so much Richard and “Save the Neptune!”
The P-2V Neptune was a Maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. It was developed for the United States Navy by Lockheed. The concept began early in WWII but was consider[ed] a low priority compared to other aircraft. The first aircraft was accepted into military service in 1947. The Neptune was designed to be a land-based aircraft and never made carrier landings. It was retired from military duty in 1978.
The P-2V has been flown by several civilian firefighting operations starting in the late 90’s or early 90’s. It is in use today as an air tanker-however, 2017 is to be the last year the USFS will use the Neptune for firefighting. It is being replaced by all jet or turbine power aircraft.
As an air tanker the P-2V has a 2 man crew and when it was used by the military it had a 7-9 man crew. It is powered by 2 x Westinghouse J34-WE-34 Turbo-compound radial engines that produced 3700 hp each and engines are only used for takeoff and while the aircraft is at low level on a fire. It is capable of carrying around 2000 gallons of retardant.
Length: 91 ft 8in Maximum speed: 363 mph
Wingspan: 103ft 10in Cruise speed: 207 mph
Height: 29ft 4 in Range: 2,157 mi
Empty Weight: 49,935 lb Service ceiling: 22,400 ft
Max takeoff weight: 79,895 lb
Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted:
On-site signage: Lockheed P2V-7 Neptune
This aircraft was donated to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Photography by Richard Camp of Lewes, DE and “Save a Neptune,” a non-profit organization that was trying to raise money to restore the aircraft to fly to air shows, etc. Thank you so much Richard and “Save the Neptune!”
The P-2V Neptune was a Maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. It was developed for the United States Navy by Lockheed. The concept began early in WWII but was consider[ed] a low priority compared to other aircraft. The first aircraft was accepted into military service in 1947. The Neptune was designed to be a land-based aircraft and never made carrier landings. It was retired from military duty in 1978.
The P-2V has been flown by several civilian firefighting operations starting in the late 90’s or early 90’s. It is in use today as an air tanker-however, 2017 is to be the last year the USFS will use the Neptune for firefighting. It is being replaced by all jet or turbine power aircraft.
As an air tanker the P-2V has a 2 man crew and when it was used by the military it had a 7-9 man crew. It is powered by 2 x Westinghouse J34-WE-34 Turbo-compound radial engines that produced 3700 hp each and engines are only used for takeoff and while the aircraft is at low level on a fire. It is capable of carrying around 2000 gallons of retardant.
Length: 91 ft 8in Maximum speed: 363 mph
Wingspan: 103ft 10in Cruise speed: 207 mph
Height: 29ft 4 in Range: 2,157 mi
Empty Weight: 49,935 lb Service ceiling: 22,400 ft
Max takeoff weight: 79,895 lb
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted.
Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
On-site signage: Lockheed P2V-7 Neptune
This aircraft was donated to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Photography by Richard Camp of Lewes, DE and “Save a Neptune,” a non-profit organization that was trying to raise money to restore the aircraft to fly to air shows, etc. Thank you so much Richard and “Save the Neptune!”
The P-2V Neptune was a Maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. It was developed for the United States Navy by Lockheed. The concept began early in WWII but was consider[ed] a low priority compared to other aircraft. The first aircraft was accepted into military service in 1947. The Neptune was designed to be a land-based aircraft and never made carrier landings. It was retired from military duty in 1978.
The P-2V has been flown by several civilian firefighting operations starting in the late 90’s or early 90’s. It is in use today as an air tanker-however, 2017 is to be the last year the USFS will use the Neptune for firefighting. It is being replaced by all jet or turbine power aircraft.
As an air tanker the P-2V has a 2 man crew and when it was used by the military it had a 7-9 man crew. It is powered by 2 x Westinghouse J34-WE-34 Turbo-compound radial engines that produced 3700 hp each and engines are only used for takeoff and while the aircraft is at low level on a fire. It is capable of carrying around 2000 gallons of retardant.
Length: 91 ft 8in Maximum speed: 363 mph
Wingspan: 103ft 10in Cruise speed: 207 mph
Height: 29ft 4 in Range: 2,157 mi
Empty Weight: 49,935 lb Service ceiling: 22,400 ft
Max takeoff weight: 79,895 lb
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted.
Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
C-119 brochure:
The C-119 evolved from the C-82 “Packet” built by Fairchild during WWII. In 1947, Fairchild built a total of 1,102 C-119s to haul cargo and troops for the U.S. and five other countries. The Royal Canadian Airforce used their C-119’s to resupply outposts throughout their country in the Arctic where landings were often made on sea and ice. The C-119 saw extensive action in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. These aircraft were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the early 1970’s. The C-119 with the jet on top was used for firefighting, the other one was not needed as an aerial tanker, and was held for use in aerial spraying, movie making, and cargo hauling. A couple of Hawkins & Powers C-119s can be seen in the movies “Flight of the Phoenix” – the 2004 version- and “Always”. The two C-119’s here are on loan from the US Forest Service.
MFAF Website (www.museumofflight.us/aircraftgalleries.html)
The Fairchild C-119 is also known as the "Flying Boxcar" because it can hold the same weight as a railroad boxcar. The C-119 evolved from the C-82 Packet built by Fairchild during WWII. The first C-119 prototype flew in 1947 and deliveries began in 1949 with a total of 1,184 aircraft being built. The C-119 saw extensive action in Korea and Vietnam for the US, and were used mainly for hauling cargo and troops. Many C-119s were provided to other nations as part of the Military Assistance Program, which included the Royal Canadian Air Force. After its retirement from active duty many C-119s soldiered on in the U.S. National Guard until the mid 1970s. The two C-119s in the museum were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the 1970s. Hawkins and Powers used tanker 136, with the jet on top, for firefighting and the other C-119 was used for aerial spraying, movie making and cargo hauling. The two C-119s in the museum are on loan from the U.S. Forest Service.
On-site signage:
WESTINGHOUSE J34 ENGINE
This pod you see on the top of the C-119 aircraft is a J-34 jet. The engine was build by Westinghouse Aviation Gas Turbine Division company in the late 1940s. The jet will produce 3400 lb (15.kN) of thrust. The engine was used for extra power for takeoff and any time the airplane was used on firefighting missions or working with heavy loads at low altitudes. During the rest of the flight it would be shut down because of the high fuel consumption.
In the early 1970s, Hawkins & Powers Aviation added the J34
et engines to many C-119s by removing engines from the P-2V Neptune planes. The Neptune engine was redesigned so that it could be mounted on top of the C-119 fuselage.
On-site signage:
FAIRCHILD C-119 TRANSPORT (Royal Canadian Air Force)
Starting in 1947, Fairchild produced a total of 1,102 “Flying Boxcars” to haul cargo and troops for the US and five other countries. The C-119 evolved from the C-82 “Packet” also built by Fairchild during WWII.
Wingspan – 106.5 feet Engines – Write R3350 (3,500 hp)
Length – 86.5 feet Gross weight – 74,000 pounds
Maximum Speed – 250 mph Cruising Speed – 205 mph
Range – 2000 miles Service Ceiling – 23,900 feet
Carrying Capacity – 30,000 pounds of cargo or 32 troops
The Royal Canadian Air Force acquired their first 24 C-119s in 1952 with the last being retired in 1065. The RCAF used their Flying Box Cars to resupply outposts throughout their country and especially in the Arctic where landings were often made on sea ice. In 1956 and 1957, these aircraft were also used to assist the United Nations relief efforts in the Middle East.
This aircraft was purchased by Hawkins and Powers, and while never needed for conversion to an aerial tanker, was held for use in aerial spraying, movie making and cargo hauling.
A pigeon decided to roost on the C-119 twin boom/double tail empennage and posed for me.
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted.
Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
C-119 brochure:
The C-119 evolved from the C-82 “Packet” built by Fairchild during WWII. In 1947, Fairchild built a total of 1,102 C-119s to haul cargo and troops for the U.S. and five other countries. The Royal Canadian Airforce used their C-119’s to resupply outposts throughout their country in the Arctic where landings were often made on sea and ice. The C-119 saw extensive action in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. These aircraft were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the early 1970’s. The C-119 with the jet on top was used for firefighting, the other one was not needed as an aerial tanker, and was held for use in aerial spraying, movie making, and cargo hauling. A couple of Hawkins & Powers C-119s can be seen in the movies “Flight of the Phoenix” – the 2004 version- and “Always”. The two C-119’s here are on loan from the US Forest Service.
MFAF Website (www.museumofflight.us/aircraftgalleries.html)
The Fairchild C-119 is also known as the "Flying Boxcar" because it can hold the same weight as a railroad boxcar. The C-119 evolved from the C-82 Packet built by Fairchild during WWII. The first C-119 prototype flew in 1947 and deliveries began in 1949 with a total of 1,184 aircraft being built. The C-119 saw extensive action in Korea and Vietnam for the US, and were used mainly for hauling cargo and troops. Many C-119s were provided to other nations as part of the Military Assistance Program, which included the Royal Canadian Air Force. After its retirement from active duty many C-119s soldiered on in the U.S. National Guard until the mid 1970s. The two C-119s in the museum were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the 1970s. Hawkins and Powers used tanker 136, with the jet on top, for firefighting and the other C-119 was used for aerial spraying, movie making and cargo hauling. The two C-119s in the museum are on loan from the U.S. Forest Service.
On-site signage:
WESTINGHOUSE J34 ENGINE
This pod you see on the top of the C-119 aircraft is a J-34 jet. The engine was build by Westinghouse Aviation Gas Turbine Division company in the late 1940s. The jet will produce 3400 lb (15.kN) of thrust. The engine was used for extra power for takeoff and any time the airplane was used on firefighting missions or working with heavy loads at low altitudes. During the rest of the flight it would be shut down because of the high fuel consumption.
In the early 1970s, Hawkins & Powers Aviation added the J34 jet engines to many C-119s by removing engines from the P-2V Neptune planes. The Neptune engine was redesigned so that it could be mounted on top of the C-119 fuselage.
On-site signage:
FAIRCHILD C-119 TRANSPORT (Royal Canadian Air Force)
Starting in 1947, Fairchild produced a total of 1,102 “Flying Boxcars” to haul cargo and troops for the US and five other countries. The C-119 evolved from the C-82 “Packet” also built by Fairchild during WWII.
Wingspan – 106.5 feet Engines – Write R3350 (3,500 hp)
Length – 86.5 feet Gross weight – 74,000 pounds
Maximum Speed – 250 mph Cruising Speed – 205 mph
Range – 2000 miles Service Ceiling – 23,900 feet
Carrying Capacity – 30,000 pounds of cargo or 32 troops
The Royal Canadian Air Force acquired their first 24 C-119s in 1952 with the last being retired in 1065. The RCAF used their Flying Box Cars to resupply outposts throughout their country and especially in the Arctic where landings were often made on sea ice. In 1956 and 1957, these aircraft were also used to assist the United Nations relief efforts in the Middle East.
This aircraft was purchased by Hawkins and Powers, and while never needed for conversion to an aerial tanker, was held for use in aerial spraying, movie making and cargo hauling.
The interior of this old bird surely has seen better days.
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted.
Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
C-119 brochure:
The C-119 evolved from the C-82 “Packet” built by Fairchild during WWII. In 1947, Fairchild built a total of 1,102 C-119s to haul cargo and troops for the U.S. and five other countries. The Royal Canadian Airforce used their C-119’s to resupply outposts throughout their country in the Arctic where landings were often made on sea and ice. The C-119 saw extensive action in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. These aircraft were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the early 1970’s. The C-119 with the jet on top was used for firefighting, the other one was not needed as an aerial tanker, and was held for use in aerial spraying, movie making, and cargo hauling. A couple of Hawkins & Powers C-119s can be seen in the movies “Flight of the Phoenix” – the 2004 version- and “Always”. The two C-119’s here are on loan from the US Forest Service.
MFAF Website (www.museumofflight.us/aircraftgalleries.html)
The Fairchild C-119 is also known as the "Flying Boxcar" because it can hold the same weight as a railroad boxcar. The C-119 evolved from the C-82 Packet built by Fairchild during WWII. The first C-119 prototype flew in 1947 and deliveries began in 1949 with a total of 1,184 aircraft being built. The C-119 saw extensive action in Korea and Vietnam for the US, and were used mainly for hauling cargo and troops. Many C-119s were provided to other nations as part of the Military Assistance Program, which included the Royal Canadian Air Force. After its retirement from active duty many C-119s soldiered on in the U.S. National Guard until the mid 1970s. The two C-119s in the museum were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the 1970s. Hawkins and Powers used tanker 136, with the jet on top, for firefighting and the other C-119 was used for aerial spraying, movie making and cargo hauling. The two C-119s in the museum are on loan from the U.S. Forest Service.
On-site signage:
WESTINGHOUSE J34 ENGINE
This pod you see on the top of the C-119 aircraft is a J-34 jet. The engine was build by Westinghouse Aviation Gas Turbine Division company in the late 1940s. The jet will produce 3400 lb (15.kN) of thrust. The engine was used for extra power for takeoff and any time the airplane was used on firefighting missions or working with heavy loads at low altitudes. During the rest of the flight it would be shut down because of the high fuel consumption.
In the early 1970s, Hawkins & Powers Aviation added the J34 jet engines to many C-119s by removing engines from the P-2V Neptune planes. The Neptune engine was redesigned so that it could be mounted on top of the C-119 fuselage.
On-site signage:
FAIRCHILD C-119 TRANSPORT (Royal Canadian Air Force)
Starting in 1947, Fairchild produced a total of 1,102 “Flying Boxcars” to haul cargo and troops for the US and five other countries. The C-119 evolved from the C-82 “Packet” also built by Fairchild during WWII.
Wingspan – 106.5 feet Engines – Write R3350 (3,500 hp)
Length – 86.5 feet Gross weight – 74,000 pounds
Maximum Speed – 250 mph Cruising Speed – 205 mph
Range – 2000 miles Service Ceiling – 23,900 feet
Carrying Capacity – 30,000 pounds of cargo or 32 troops
The Royal Canadian Air Force acquired their first 24 C-119s in 1952 with the last being retired in 1065. The RCAF used their Flying Box Cars to resupply outposts throughout their country and especially in the Arctic where landings were often made on sea ice. In 1956 and 1957, these aircraft were also used to assist the United Nations relief efforts in the Middle East.
This aircraft was purchased by Hawkins and Powers, and while never needed for conversion to an aerial tanker, was held for use in aerial spraying, movie making and cargo hauling.
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted.
Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
C-119 brochure:
The C-119 evolved from the C-82 “Packet” built by Fairchild during WWII. In 1947, Fairchild built a total of 1,102 C-119s to haul cargo and troops for the U.S. and five other countries. The Royal Canadian Airforce used their C-119’s to resupply outposts throughout their country in the Arctic where landings were often made on sea and ice. The C-119 saw extensive action in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. These aircraft were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the early 1970’s. The C-119 with the jet on top was used for firefighting, the other one was not needed as an aerial tanker, and was held for use in aerial spraying, movie making, and cargo hauling. A couple of Hawkins & Powers C-119s can be seen in the movies “Flight of the Phoenix” – the 2004 version- and “Always”. The two C-119’s here are on loan from the US Forest Service.
MFAF Website (www.museumofflight.us/aircraftgalleries.html)
The Fairchild C-119 is also known as the "Flying Boxcar" because it can hold the same weight as a railroad boxcar. The C-119 evolved from the C-82 Packet built by Fairchild during WWII. The first C-119 prototype flew in 1947 and deliveries began in 1949 with a total of 1,184 aircraft being built. The C-119 saw extensive action in Korea and Vietnam for the US, and were used mainly for hauling cargo and troops. Many C-119s were provided to other nations as part of the Military Assistance Program, which included the Royal Canadian Air Force. After its retirement from active duty many C-119s soldiered on in the U.S. National Guard until the mid 1970s. The two C-119s in the museum were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the 1970s. Hawkins and Powers used tanker 136, with the jet on top, for firefighting and the other C-119 was used for aerial spraying, movie making and cargo hauling. The two C-119s in the museum are on loan from the U.S. Forest Service.
On-site signage:
WESTINGHOUSE J34 ENGINE
This pod you see on the top of the C-119 aircraft is a J-34 jet. The engine was build by Westinghouse Aviation Gas Turbine Division company in the late 1940s. The jet will produce 3400 lb (15.kN) of thrust. The engine was used for extra power for takeoff and any time the airplane was used on firefighting missions or working with heavy loads at low altitudes. During the rest of the flight it would be shut down because of the high fuel consumption.
In the early 1970s, Hawkins & Powers Aviation added the J34 jet engines to many C-119s by removing engines from the P-2V Neptune planes. The Neptune engine was redesigned so that it could be mounted on top of the C-119 fuselage.
On-site signage:
FAIRCHILD C-119 TRANSPORT (Royal Canadian Air Force)
Starting in 1947, Fairchild produced a total of 1,102 “Flying Boxcars” to haul cargo and troops for the US and five other countries. The C-119 evolved from the C-82 “Packet” also built by Fairchild during WWII.
Wingspan – 106.5 feet Engines – Write R3350 (3,500 hp)
Length – 86.5 feet Gross weight – 74,000 pounds
Maximum Speed – 250 mph Cruising Speed – 205 mph
Range – 2000 miles Service Ceiling – 23,900 feet
Carrying Capacity – 30,000 pounds of cargo or 32 troops
The Royal Canadian Air Force acquired their first 24 C-119s in 1952 with the last being retired in 1065. The RCAF used their Flying Box Cars to resupply outposts throughout their country and especially in the Arctic where landings were often made on sea ice. In 1956 and 1957, these aircraft were also used to assist the United Nations relief efforts in the Middle East.
This aircraft was purchased by Hawkins and Powers, and while never needed for conversion to an aerial tanker, was held for use in aerial spraying, movie making and cargo hauling.
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted.
Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
C-119 brochure:
The C-119 evolved from the C-82 “Packet” built by Fairchild during WWII. In 1947, Fairchild built a total of 1,102 C-119s to haul cargo and troops for the U.S. and five other countries. The Royal Canadian Airforce used their C-119’s to resupply outposts throughout their country in the Arctic where landings were often made on sea and ice. The C-119 saw extensive action in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. These aircraft were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the early 1970’s. The C-119 with the jet on top was used for firefighting, the other one was not needed as an aerial tanker, and was held for use in aerial spraying, movie making, and cargo hauling. A couple of Hawkins & Powers C-119s can be seen in the movies “Flight of the Phoenix” – the 2004 version- and “Always”. The two C-119’s here are on loan from the US Forest Service.
MFAF Website (www.museumofflight.us/aircraftgalleries.html)
The Fairchild C-119 is also known as the "Flying Boxcar" because it can hold the same weight as a railroad boxcar. The C-119 evolved from the C-82 Packet built by Fairchild during WWII. The first C-119 prototype flew in 1947 and deliveries began in 1949 with a total of 1,184 aircraft being built. The C-119 saw extensive action in Korea and Vietnam for the US, and were used mainly for hauling cargo and troops. Many C-119s were provided to other nations as part of the Military Assistance Program, which included the Royal Canadian Air Force. After its retirement from active duty many C-119s soldiered on in the U.S. National Guard until the mid 1970s. The two C-119s in the museum were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the 1970s. Hawkins and Powers used tanker 136, with the jet on top, for firefighting and the other C-119 was used for aerial spraying, movie making and cargo hauling. The two C-119s in the museum are on loan from the U.S. Forest Service.
On-site signage:
WESTINGHOUSE J34 ENGINE
This pod you see on the top of the C-119 aircraft is a J-34 jet. The engine was build by Westinghouse Aviation Gas Turbine Division company in the late 1940s. The jet will produce 3400 lb (15.kN) of thrust. The engine was used for extra power for takeoff and any time the airplane was used on firefighting missions or working with heavy loads at low altitudes. During the rest of the flight it would be shut down because of the high fuel consumption.
In the early 1970s, Hawkins & Powers Aviation added the J34 jet engines to many C-119s by removing engines from the P-2V Neptune planes. The Neptune engine was redesigned so that it could be mounted on top of the C-119 fuselage.
On-site signage:
FAIRCHILD C-119 TRANSPORT (Royal Canadian Air Force)
Starting in 1947, Fairchild produced a total of 1,102 “Flying Boxcars” to haul cargo and troops for the US and five other countries. The C-119 evolved from the C-82 “Packet” also built by Fairchild during WWII.
Wingspan – 106.5 feet Engines – Write R3350 (3,500 hp)
Length – 86.5 feet Gross weight – 74,000 pounds
Maximum Speed – 250 mph Cruising Speed – 205 mph
Range – 2000 miles Service Ceiling – 23,900 feet
Carrying Capacity – 30,000 pounds of cargo or 32 troops
The Royal Canadian Air Force acquired their first 24 C-119s in 1952 with the last being retired in 1065. The RCAF used their Flying Box Cars to resupply outposts throughout their country and especially in the Arctic where landings were often made on sea ice. In 1956 and 1957, these aircraft were also used to assist the United Nations relief efforts in the Middle East.
This aircraft was purchased by Hawkins and Powers, and while never needed for conversion to an aerial tanker, was held for use in aerial spraying, movie making and cargo hauling.
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted.
Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
C-119 brochure:
The C-119 evolved from the C-82 “Packet” built by Fairchild during WWII. In 1947, Fairchild built a total of 1,102 C-119s to haul cargo and troops for the U.S. and five other countries. The Royal Canadian Airforce used their C-119’s to resupply outposts throughout their country in the Arctic where landings were often made on sea and ice. The C-119 saw extensive action in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. These aircraft were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the early 1970’s. The C-119 with the jet on top was used for firefighting, the other one was not needed as an aerial tanker, and was held for use in aerial spraying, movie making, and cargo hauling. A couple of Hawkins & Powers C-119s can be seen in the movies “Flight of the Phoenix” – the 2004 version- and “Always”. The two C-119’s here are on loan from the US Forest Service.
MFAF Website (www.museumofflight.us/aircraftgalleries.html)
The Fairchild C-119 is also known as the "Flying Boxcar" because it can hold the same weight as a railroad boxcar. The C-119 evolved from the C-82 Packet built by Fairchild during WWII. The first C-119 prototype flew in 1947 and deliveries began in 1949 with a total of 1,184 aircraft being built. The C-119 saw extensive action in Korea and Vietnam for the US, and were used mainly for hauling cargo and troops. Many C-119s were provided to other nations as part of the Military Assistance Program, which included the Royal Canadian Air Force. After its retirement from active duty many C-119s soldiered on in the U.S. National Guard until the mid 1970s. The two C-119s in the museum were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the 1970s. Hawkins and Powers used tanker 136, with the jet on top, for firefighting and the other C-119 was used for aerial spraying, movie making and cargo hauling. The two C-119s in the museum are on loan from the U.S. Forest Service.
On-site signage:
WESTINGHOUSE J34 ENGINE
This pod you see on the top of the C-119 aircraft is a J-34 jet. The engine was build by Westinghouse Aviation Gas Turbine Division company in the late 1940s. The jet will produce 3400 lb (15.kN) of thrust. The engine was used for extra power for takeoff and any time the airplane was used on firefighting missions or working with heavy loads at low altitudes. During the rest of the flight it would be shut down because of the high fuel consumption.
In the early 1970s, Hawkins & Powers Aviation added the J34 jet engines to many C-119s by removing engines from the P-2V Neptune planes. The Neptune engine was redesigned so that it could be mounted on top of the C-119 fuselage.
On-site signage:
FAIRCHILD C-119 TRANSPORT (Royal Canadian Air Force)
Starting in 1947, Fairchild produced a total of 1,102 “Flying Boxcars” to haul cargo and troops for the US and five other countries. The C-119 evolved from the C-82 “Packet” also built by Fairchild during WWII.
Wingspan – 106.5 feet Engines – Write R3350 (3,500 hp)
Length – 86.5 feet Gross weight – 74,000 pounds
Maximum Speed – 250 mph Cruising Speed – 205 mph
Range – 2000 miles Service Ceiling – 23,900 feet
Carrying Capacity – 30,000 pounds of cargo or 32 troops
The Royal Canadian Air Force acquired their first 24 C-119s in 1952 with the last being retired in 1065. The RCAF used their Flying Box Cars to resupply outposts throughout their country and especially in the Arctic where landings were often made on sea ice. In 1956 and 1957, these aircraft were also used to assist the United Nations relief efforts in the Middle East.
This aircraft was purchased by Hawkins and Powers, and while never needed for conversion to an aerial tanker, was held for use in aerial spraying, movie making and cargo hauling.
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted.
Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
C-119 brochure:
The C-119 evolved from the C-82 “Packet” built by Fairchild during WWII. In 1947, Fairchild built a total of 1,102 C-119s to haul cargo and troops for the U.S. and five other countries. The Royal Canadian Airforce used their C-119’s to resupply outposts throughout their country in the Arctic where landings were often made on sea and ice. The C-119 saw extensive action in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. These aircraft were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the early 1970’s. The C-119 with the jet on top was used for firefighting, the other one was not needed as an aerial tanker, and was held for use in aerial spraying, movie making, and cargo hauling. A couple of Hawkins & Powers C-119s can be seen in the movies “Flight of the Phoenix” – the 2004 version- and “Always”. The two C-119’s here are on loan from the US Forest Service.
MFAF Website (www.museumofflight.us/aircraftgalleries.html)
The Fairchild C-119 is also known as the "Flying Boxcar" because it can hold the same weight as a railroad boxcar. The C-119 evolved from the C-82 Packet built by Fairchild during WWII. The first C-119 prototype flew in 1947 and deliveries began in 1949 with a total of 1,184 aircraft being built. The C-119 saw extensive action in Korea and Vietnam for the US, and were used mainly for hauling cargo and troops. Many C-119s were provided to other nations as part of the Military Assistance Program, which included the Royal Canadian Air Force. After its retirement from active duty many C-119s soldiered on in the U.S. National Guard until the mid 1970s. The two C-119s in the museum were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the 1970s. Hawkins and Powers used tanker 136, with the jet on top, for firefighting and the other C-119 was used for aerial spraying, movie making and cargo hauling. The two C-119s in the museum are on loan from the U.S. Forest Service.
On-site signage:
WESTINGHOUSE J34 ENGINE
This pod you see on the top of the C-119 aircraft is a J-34 jet. The engine was build by Westinghouse Aviation Gas Turbine Division company in the late 1940s. The jet will produce 3400 lb (15.kN) of thrust. The engine was used for extra power for takeoff and any time the airplane was used on firefighting missions or working with heavy loads at low altitudes. During the rest of the flight it would be shut down because of the high fuel consumption.
In the early 1970s, Hawkins & Powers Aviation added the J34 jet engines to many C-119s by removing engines from the P-2V Neptune planes. The Neptune engine was redesigned so that it could be mounted on top of the C-119 fuselage.
On-site signage:
FAIRCHILD C-119 TRANSPORT (Royal Canadian Air Force)
Starting in 1947, Fairchild produced a total of 1,102 “Flying Boxcars” to haul cargo and troops for the US and five other countries. The C-119 evolved from the C-82 “Packet” also built by Fairchild during WWII.
Wingspan – 106.5 feet Engines – Write R3350 (3,500 hp)
Length – 86.5 feet Gross weight – 74,000 pounds
Maximum Speed – 250 mph Cruising Speed – 205 mph
Range – 2000 miles Service Ceiling – 23,900 feet
Carrying Capacity – 30,000 pounds of cargo or 32 troops
The Royal Canadian Air Force acquired their first 24 C-119s in 1952 with the last being retired in 1065. The RCAF used their Flying Box Cars to resupply outposts throughout their country and especially in the Arctic where landings were often made on sea ice. In 1956 and 1957, these aircraft were also used to assist the United Nations relief efforts in the Middle East.
This aircraft was purchased by Hawkins and Powers, and while never needed for conversion to an aerial tanker, was held for use in aerial spraying, movie making and cargo hauling.
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted.
Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
C-119 brochure:
The C-119 evolved from the C-82 “Packet” built by Fairchild during WWII. In 1947, Fairchild built a total of 1,102 C-119s to haul cargo and troops for the U.S. and five other countries. The Royal Canadian Airforce used their C-119’s to resupply outposts throughout their country in the Arctic where landings were often made on sea and ice. The C-119 saw extensive action in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. These aircraft were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the early 1970’s. The C-119 with the jet on top was used for firefighting, the other one was not needed as an aerial tanker, and was held for use in aerial spraying, movie making, and cargo hauling. A couple of Hawkins & Powers C-119s can be seen in the movies “Flight of the Phoenix” – the 2004 version- and “Always”. The two C-119’s here are on loan from the US Forest Service.
MFAF Website (www.museumofflight.us/aircraftgalleries.html)
The Fairchild C-119 is also known as the "Flying Boxcar" because it can hold the same weight as a railroad boxcar. The C-119 evolved from the C-82 Packet built by Fairchild during WWII. The first C-119 prototype flew in 1947 and deliveries began in 1949 with a total of 1,184 aircraft being built. The C-119 saw extensive action in Korea and Vietnam for the US, and were used mainly for hauling cargo and troops. Many C-119s were provided to other nations as part of the Military Assistance Program, which included the Royal Canadian Air Force. After its retirement from active duty many C-119s soldiered on in the U.S. National Guard until the mid 1970s. The two C-119s in the museum were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the 1970s. Hawkins and Powers used tanker 136, with the jet on top, for firefighting and the other C-119 was used for aerial spraying, movie making and cargo hauling. The two C-119s in the museum are on loan from the U.S. Forest Service.
On-site signage:
WESTINGHOUSE J34 ENGINE
This pod you see on the top of the C-119 aircraft is a J-34 jet. The engine was build by Westinghouse Aviation Gas Turbine Division company in the late 1940s. The jet will produce 3400 lb (15.kN) of thrust. The engine was used for extra power for takeoff and any time the airplane was used on firefighting missions or working with heavy loads at low altitudes. During the rest of the flight it would be shut down because of the high fuel consumption.
In the early 1970s, Hawkins & Powers Aviation added the J34 jet engines to many C-119s by removing engines from the P-2V Neptune planes. The Neptune engine was redesigned so that it could be mounted on top of the C-119 fuselage.
On-site signage:
FAIRCHILD C-119 TRANSPORT (Royal Canadian Air Force)
Starting in 1947, Fairchild produced a total of 1,102 “Flying Boxcars” to haul cargo and troops for the US and five other countries. The C-119 evolved from the C-82 “Packet” also built by Fairchild during WWII.
Wingspan – 106.5 feet Engines – Write R3350 (3,500 hp)
Length – 86.5 feet Gross weight – 74,000 pounds
Maximum Speed – 250 mph Cruising Speed – 205 mph
Range – 2000 miles Service Ceiling – 23,900 feet
Carrying Capacity – 30,000 pounds of cargo or 32 troops
The Royal Canadian Air Force acquired their first 24 C-119s in 1952 with the last being retired in 1065. The RCAF used their Flying Box Cars to resupply outposts throughout their country and especially in the Arctic where landings were often made on sea ice. In 1956 and 1957, these aircraft were also used to assist the United Nations relief efforts in the Middle East.
This aircraft was purchased by Hawkins and Powers, and while never needed for conversion to an aerial tanker, was held for use in aerial spraying, movie making and cargo hauling.
PB4Y-2 Privateer Tanker
This was the only plane in the collection with twin engines. All the others are single engine with the exception of one of the C-119s, number 136, which has a propeller on each wing and a single jet engine on top!
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted.
Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
Signage:
AERIAL TANKER 127
This aircraft is one of the 740 PB4Y-2 “Privateers” built during WWII by Consolidated-Vultee in San Diego, CA. The privateers were an adaptation of the B-24 Liberator for use as a long-range patrol and surface attack bomber by the Navy. The changes included a single16 foot tall tail, a 7-foot longer fuselage to house a surface radar, and engines that performed better at low altitudes.
Wingspan – 110 ft
Length – 74 ft 7in.
Height – 29ft
Engine – Pratt & Whitney R1830-94 (1350hp)
Range – up to 3,800 miles Bomb Load – 4,000 pounds
…A series of air tanker crashes in 2002 led to the retirement of all WWII aircraft from Federal fire fighting. A total of 12 Privateers served during a period of 43 years in fighting fires throughout the continental US and Alaska.
Brochure:
During WWII the Navy decided to navalise [sic] the B-24 which belonged to the U.S. Army Air Force. Hence in 1943 the PB4Y-2 was born. A few of the PB4Y’s saw the frontlines before VJ-Day but they did go on to perform their best work during the Cold War. They were used mainly as radar and counter measure platforms. They were retired by the U.S. Coast Guard in the early 1960’s. A handful then went on to become air tankers and a few were used as spray planes.
These two PB4Ys were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the late 1960’s and were used for firefighting until 2002. These two PB4Ys-T126 and T127 are privately owned
Do I see a little irony in the placement of the logo plaque and the notice on the museum door?
In any case, this was a very interesting stop on my loop tour of the Greater Yellowstone-Bighorn Basin, where the tiny town of Greybull, Wyoming sports a remarkably informative and interesting "bone yard" of air craft, most retired first from military service, and then from fire-fighting service.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted:
From the Museum brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
PB4Y-2 Privateer Tanker
This was the only plane in the collection with twin engines. All the others are single engine with the exception of one of the C-119s, number 136, which has a propeller on each wing and a single jet engine on top!
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted:
Transcriptions are verbatim except where noted.
Brochure:
Welcome to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Fire Firefighting. The Museum…was founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1992. It was staffed by Hawkins & Powers employees until 2004 and then was run by volunteers until 2008. The museum reopened in 2014 with the help of the Greybull Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aerial Firefighting
Many types of aircraft and many different designs have been utilized to combat forest fires since the late 1920s. In the early 1950’s, the first modern air tankers were developed and began testing in the Western United States. Mel Christler and Morris Avery started an aerial firefighting company in Greybull [Wyoming] in the 1960’s with Hawkins&Powers taking over in 1969. They went out of business in 2004 and the planes you see here are what were left and later auctioned off.
From the Website (www.museumofflight.us/)
For many years Hawkins & Powers Aviation, Inc. conducted firefighting operations from the South Big Horn County Airport, in Greybull. They also repaired active Air Force aircraft under a civilian contract.
Signage:
AERIAL TANKER 127
This aircraft is one of the 740 PB4Y-2 “Privateers” built during WWII by Consolidated-Vultee in San Diego, CA. The privateers were an adaptation of the B-24 Liberator for use as a long-range patrol and surface attack bomber by the Navy. The changes included a single16 foot tall tail, a 7-foot longer fuselage to house a surface radar, and engines that performed better at low altitudes.
Wingspan – 110 ft
Length – 74 ft 7in.
Height – 29ft
Engine – Pratt & Whitney R1830-94 (1350hp)
Range – up to 3,800 miles Bomb Load – 4,000 pounds
…A series of air tanker crashes in 2002 led to the retirement of all WWII aircraft from Federal fire fighting. A total of 12 Privateers served during a period of 43 years in fighting fires throughout the continental US and Alaska.
Brochure:
During WWII the Navy decided to navalise [sic] the B-24 which belonged to the U.S. Army Air Force. Hence in 1943 the PB4Y-2 was born. A few of the PB4Y’s saw the frontlines before VJ-Day but they did go on to perform their best work during the Cold War. They were used mainly as radar and counter measure platforms. They were retired by the U.S. Coast Guard in the early 1960’s. A handful then went on to become air tankers and a few were used as spray planes.
These two PB4Ys were purchased by Hawkins and Powers in the late 1960’s and were used for firefighting until 2002. These two PB4Ys-T126 and T127 are privately owned