The C-45 was the WWII military version of the popular Beechcraft Model 18 commercial light transport. Â Beech built a total of 4,526 of these aircraft for the Army Air Forces (AAF) between 1939 and 1945 in four versions, the AT-7 Navigator navigation trainer, the AT-11 Kansan bombing-gunnery trainer, the C-45 Expeditor utility transport, and the F-2 for aerial photography and mapping. Â The AT-7 and AT-11 versions were well-known to WWII navigators and bombardiers, for most of these men received their training in these aircraft. Â Thousands of AAF pilot cadets were also given advanced training in twin-engine Beech airplanes.
During the 1950s, Beech completely rebuilt 900 C-45s for the Air Force. Â They received new serial numbers and were designated C-45Gs and C-45Hs, remaining in service until 1963 for administrative and light cargo duties.
Warner Robins Air Logistics Center provided depot, communication and propeller support for all USAF C-45s until they were retired. Â The Museum’s C-45 was delivered to the USAF in 1952 and served at various units and locations in the US before being retired in 1960. Â It was acquired and flown to the Museum in 1986.
