C-7A “Caribou”
SERIAL NUMBER: 60-3767
SPECIFICATIONS
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Span: 95 ft. 7 in.
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Length: 72 ft. 7 in.
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Height: 31 ft. 8 in.
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Weight: 28,500 lbs. max.
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Armament: None
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Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-2000-7M2s of 1,450 hp. ea.
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Crew: Three
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Cost: $800,000
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Maximum speed: 216 mph
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Cruising speed: 152 mph
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Range: 1,175 miles
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Service Ceiling: 24,800 ft.
The C-7A is a twin-engine, short takeoff and landing (STOL) utility transport built by de Havilland Aircraft of Canada, Ltd. It is used primarily for tactical airlift missions in forward battle areas with short, unimproved airstrips. It can carry 26 fully equipped paratroops or up to 20 litter patients. As a cargo aircraft the Caribou can haul more than three tons of equipment.
The Caribou made its first flight in 1958. In 1959, the Army flew several prototypes for evaluation and, in 1961, the first 22 out of a total of 159 production versions were delivered to the Army. Originally designated AC-1, the aircraft was redesignated CV-2 in 1962 and retained that designation for the remainder of its Army career. In Jan. 1967, when responsibility for all fixed-wing tactical transports was transferred to the U.S. Air Force, the Caribou received the designation C-7.
During the Southeast Asian conflict, the Caribou's STOL capability made it particularly suitable for delivering troops, supplies, and equipment to isolated outposts.
Walk through of the Travis Museum's C-7
The C-7A Wash Day & Restoration Project
Bruce Buono (Museum Volunteer) Introduces the Heritage Center de Havilland C-7A (before the restoration project)
Information derived from, “Travis Heritage Center” by Nick Veronico, copyright Travis AFB Historical Society and Travis AFB Heritage Center Foundation.
This book is available from the Travis Heritage Center gift shop.