C-45 Airbase Arizona

Wartime Mission:Transport, navigational and weapons trainer, light bomber, photo-reconnaissance, mission liaison, and mothership for drones.The C-45 Expeditor or a variant was initially introduced to the civilian market, but once war broke out, its potential was realized and produced began in large quantities. It was used in every branch of American service during WWII and Korea and remains one of the world’s most widely used light aircraft.

The C-45 Expeditor or a variant was initially introduced to the civilian market, but once war broke out, its potential was realized and produced began in large quantities. It was used in every branch of American service during WWII and Korea and remains one of the world’s most widely used light aircraft.

Post-war, the Expeditor was still being produced up through 1970 and used for Strategic Air Command, civilian feeder aircraft, business travel, aerial spraying, dry cloud and fish seeding, aerial firefighting, mail delivery, ambulance service, skydiving, weapon- and drug-smuggling, skywriting, banner towing, and stunts. It could be modified with tail or nosewheels, skis or floats.

During and after World War II, more than 4,500 Beech 18s served with the U.S. military in a wide range of roles, including light transport, bombardier and navigator training, gunnery training, photo reconnaissance, and even as “mother ships” for target drones. Military variants included the U.S. Army Air Forces C-45 Expeditor, AT-7 Navigator, and AT-11 Kansan, as well as the U.S. Navy SNB series. During World War II, Beech 18 variants played a particularly important training role, helping prepare thousands of bombardiers and navigators for combat service.