Beech built a total of 4,526 of these aircraft for the Army Air Forces 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.

Our C-45 Expediter, built in 1942, was the World War II military version of the popular Beechcraft model 18 commercial light transport. Thousands of AAF pilot cadets were given advanced training in these twin-engine Beech airplanes. The C-45 continued on active military service with the United States until the early 1970's.

© Mississippi Wing, Commemorative Air Force

© Mississippi Wing, Commemorative Air Force

Photo by Bob Pilgrim

Span: 47 ft. 8 in.

Length: 34 ft. 2 in.

Height: 9 ft. 2 in.

Weight: 9,300 lbs. maximum

Armament: None

Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-985s of 450 hp. ea.

Original Cost: $57,838

Serial Number: 52-10893

PERFORMANCE

Maximum speed: 219 mph.

Cruising speed: 150 mph.

Range: 1,140 miles

Service Ceiling: 18,200 ft.