Simon D. Beck

The Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar was the leading, and most numerous, military cargo and paratroop transport of the United States Armed Services throughout the 1950s Cold War era.The Korean War saw the Boxcar earn its keep in the vital role of aerial resupply to U.S. forces, and it returned to front line duties during the Vietnam War as an armed aerial gunship. This reference manual records the full service histories, both military and civil, of all 1,185 C-119 Flying Boxcars built from all major USAF and USMC units. Cross-referenced production lists and tables are supported by multiple comprehensive appendices recording combat losses, accidents and surviving craft.

Originally designed as a cargo and paratroop transport during World War II, the Fairchild C-82 Packet is today mainly remembered for its starring role in the Hollywood film The Flight of the Phoenix (1965). Its ungainly appearance earned it the nickname "the flying boxcar" but the aircraft was the first to achieve practical end-loading and aerial delivery of cargoes. Its outsized capacity served the U.S. military's needs for more than ten years--civilian operators flew it in remote locations like Alaska and South America for a further three decades. This book provides a comprehensive history of the C-82, detailing each of the 224 aircraft built, with technical diagrams, multiple appendices and more than 200 photos.

Ever wondered how many aircraft were converted into Japanese Zeroes and torpedo bombers for Tora! Tora! Tora! or how French Gazelle helicopters were modified for the title role in Blue Thunder? This first of its kind reference book lists aircraft featured in 350 films and television shows, providing brief individual histories, film locations, serial numbers and registrations. Aircraft are also cross-referenced by manufacturer. Appendices provide brief bios on pilots and technicians, information on aircraft collections owned by Tallmantz Aviation and Blue Max Aviation and film credits for U.S. aircraft carriers.