Museum Audio Tour 53: Cold War Gallery: Airlift

DAYTON, OHIO, UNITED STATES

12.31.1969

Audio by NMUSAF PA 

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

How could the United States efficiently and effectively move ballistic missiles during the Cold War? How could troops and equipment move quickly around the world? The answer was simple: airlift. One example of a large-capacity strategic cargo aircraft is the C-133A Cargo Master on display. This turboprop-powered airlifter handled a wide variety of military cargo. It could transport ballistic missiles cheaper and more quickly than by trailer over highways. With its rear and side-loading doors, moving items on or off was fast and efficient. The aircraft on display set a world record for propeller-driven aircraft when, on Dec. 16, 1958, it carried a cargo payload of 117,900 pounds to an altitude of 10,000 feet. After the more capable, jet-powered C-141 and C-5 were developed, the C-133 was retired in 1971.

• Date Taken: 12.31.1969
• Date Posted: 09.02.2015 13:54
• Category: Newscasts
• Audio ID: 41979
• Filename: 1509/DOD_102704412.mp3
• Length: 00:00:58
• Album: Museum Audio Tour
• Track #: 53
• Location: DAYTON, OHIO, US