Beech SNB-5/UC-45 'Expeditor'
HISTORY
- The Beechcraft UC-45 Expeditor was the military version of the popular pre-war Beechcraft Model 181ight transport. Initially the army ordered 11 of the six-place aircraft. Originally designated the C-45, it would be re-designated UC-45, the "U" being added for "Utility."
- Many versions of the Expeditor would be built during WWII. The AT-7 version, known as the "Navigator" was developed as a navigation trainer. The AT-11 versions, known as the "Kansan" were built as bombing and gunnery trainers. Thousands of Army Air Force pilot cadets were given advanced training in the twin engine Beechcraft. Other designations include the F-2 which was used for aerial photography and mapping. In all, a total of 4,526 of the various versions were built during the war.
- After the war many were sold off as surplus, finding their way into early commercial use as well as for personal aircraft. During the 1950s Beechcraft rebuilt 900 of the Air Force's C-45s and these were re-designated C-45G and C-45H. The converted models remained in service until as late as 1963, and were used for administrative and light cargo duties.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Status: Unrestored |
| Manufacturer: Beech Aircraft Corporation |
| Year: 1954 |
| Model: SNB-5/UC-45 Expeditor |
Registration Number:
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| Serial Number: |
| Crew: 2 |
| Max T/O Weight: 7,500 lb. |
| Span: 49 ft. 8 in. |
| Length: 36 ft. 0 in. |
| Height: 9 ft. 4 in. |
| Maximum Speed: 225 mph |
| Cruise Speed: 207 mph |
| Rate of Climb: 1,850 ft/min |
| Power Plant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney R-985-17 air-cooled radial engines, 450 hp. each |
| Range: 1,200 miles |
| Service Ceiling: 26,000 ft. |
| Armament: None |
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