Douglas C-133B Cargomaster, 59-0527 / 45578, Pima Air & Space Museum
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: 59-0527
Construction Number: 45578
Code Number: 0527
Model Douglas C-133B Cargomaster
Operator: Pima Air & Space Museum
Airport: Tucson - Pima Air and Space Museum, USA - Arizona
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 13/05/1993
Date Submitted: 10/07/2009
One of only 19 C-133Bs constructed, 18 saw service with the USAF (one being retained at the Douglas factory in Long Beach, California as a test article), the 'B' model was equipped with modified cargo doors allowing the transportation of ballistic missiles such as the Atlas, Titan and Minuteman. For many years the C-133 was the only USAF aircraft capable of hauling very large or very heavy cargo. By 1971 however, the C-133 fleet was becoming obsolete and were suffering from overuse. Originally designed with a 10,000 hour airframe life they had had this extended to 19,000 hours. Severe vibration had caused critical stress corrosion to the airframes to the point that they couldn't continue in service. The USAF managed to hang on to as many C-133s as possible before the introduction of the C-5 Galaxy heralded a new era in the USAF's strategic airlift mission. This particular C-133B arrived at AMARC on 30 June 1971 and was allocated the inventory code CU023. She was previously flown by the 60th Military Airlift Wing, based at Travis AFB. California.
Picture ID:1182205
