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| Despite having been the world's largest landplane transport when it flew in 1945, the Douglas C-74 Globemaster was actually too small-in volume-to accommodate the outsized loads dictated by the American military's postwar logistical needs. In response to this problem, the fifth C-74 was held back at the factory to undergo far- reaching modifications under the new designation YC-124. Using the wings, engine nacelles, and tail group of the C-74, Douglas evolved an entirely new fuselage by adding five feet ten inches to overall length, raising the height of the main cargo bay five feet, and lowering the depth of forward fuselage to permit loading of trucks, artillery pieces, aircraft sub- assemblies, or bulky equipment through a set of full- width clamshell doors in a new nose section that incorporated a built- in, hydraulically lowered ramp. The aft, belly loading hatch of the C-74 was retained, and to assist fore and aft movement of large loads, two overhead hoists, with 16,000 lbs. lifting capacity each, were installed in the main cargo bay. When rigged in a double deck configuration, the new fuselage design could also house 200 fully equipped troops or 127 evacuees in medical litters.
Dubbed "Globemaster II," the YC-124 completed its maiden flight on November 27, 1949, and deliveries of the first of 204 C-124A production models to the USAF commenced in May 1950. The prototype became the YC-124A when re- powered with 3,800-hp R-4360-35A engines, then reemerged in 1954 as the YC-124B after being modified to serve as a flying testbed for 5,500-shp Pratt & Whitney YT34 turboprop engines. A KC-124B tanker variant was considered as a potential KC-97 replacement but never materialized. The Long Beach plant shifted to production of 243 improved C-124Cs delivered between 1952 and 1955, which differed in having 3,800-hp R-4360-63A engines, an APS-42 weather radar in a nose- mounted thimble radome, and wingtip- mounted combustion heaters that provided thermal de-icing and cabin heating, and over a period of years, the existing C-124A fleet received retrofits that brought them up to the C standard. A pressurized variant was studied as the C-124X but never built, and during the mid-1950s, a much redesigned turboprop- powered, swept- wing derivative, designated XC-132, got as far as the mockup stage but was ultimately canceled in favor of the C-133.
C-124As began entering service during 1950 in time to play an important role in the Korean War (1950-1953). For the first time, MATS possessed a long- range aircraft capable of loading bulky items like tanks, guns, trucks, and construction equipment without major disassembly; and in Strategic Support Squadrons, new Globemasters gave SAC the ability to deliver large aircraft components to any of its widespread bases. As the USAF's C-124A and C fleet grew to planned strength in the mid-1950s, it formed the bulk- carrying nucleus of every major U.S. military airlift operation conducted from that time up until the late 1960s. Some of the C-124's more notable achievements included moving an entire squadron of Lockheed F-104s from the U.S. to Taiwan during the Formosa Straits Crisis in 1958; during Operation Deep Freeze (1957-1962), regular airdrops from C-124s formed the supply line from McMurdo Base to outlying stations in the Antarctic; and as part of Operation Big Lift in 1963, MATS C-124s moved the 2nd Armored Division and a TAC Strike Force from U.S. bases to Germany in two and a half days.
At their peak in 1963, 377 C-124s were operating with 20 different transport squadrons. As American involvement in Southeast Asia escalated in the mid-1960s, C-124s began flying transport sorties directly into South Vietnam, and from early 1966, continued with Military Airlift Command (MAC) when that organization replaced MATS. Although the USAF started the process of phasing- out C-124s from frontline service and transferring them to reserve and ANG units in mid-1960s, the type's bulk cargo capacity was not matched until Lockheed C-5s became operational with MAC during 1969-1970. From 1964 to 1972, to augment MATS/MAC operations, USAF reserve units flew C-124s on overseas sorties from eleven different bases within the continental U.S., and starting in 1966, they also served in eight ANG squadrons until the last examples were retired in mid-1974, finally ending the type's military service. The last recorded flight of a C-124 occurred on October 9, 1986 when C-124C AF Ser. No. 52-0994 was ferried from Selfridge ANG Base, Michigan to McChord AFB, Washington.
E.R.Johnson "American military transport aircraft since 1925", 2013
There was little doubt of the load-carrying capability of the C-74 and when, in late 1947, the newly-formed US Air Force decided it needed a heavy strategic cargo transport, discussions between the.USAF and Douglas resulted in development of the C-124 Globemaster II, based on the C-74.
In fact, the prototype YC-124 was basically the fifth C-74 provided with a new, deeper fuselage and strengthened landing gear. Powered by 2610kW R-4360-49 radial engines, it was flown for the first time on 27 November 1949. The type entered production as the C-124A, of which 204 were built, the first of them entering service with the USAF in May 1950. The next, and final, production version was the C-124C, with more-powerful R-4360 engines, weather radar in a distinctive nose radome and, equally useful recognition points, wingtip fairings housing combustion heaters to de-ice the wing and tailplane leading edges and to heat the cabin. C-124C production totalled 243, the last machine being delivered during May 1955.
The fuselage of the Globemaster II had clamshell nose loading doors with an associated built-in loading ramp, an electric hoist amidships which was a carry-over from the C-74, and two overhead cranes (each with a capacity of 7257kg which could traverse the entire length of the 23.47m-long cargo hold. The flight deck, accommodating a crew of five, was mounted high in the nose, over the clamshell doors. When used in a transport role (with two decks installed), the Globemaster II could carry a maximum of 200 fully-equipped troops, or 123 stretcher cases plus 45 ambulatory patients and 15 medical attendants.
Serving with the USAF's Air Materiel Command, Far Eastern Air Force, Military Air Transport Service, Strategic Air Command and Tactical Air Command, and used in conjunction with Douglas C-133s, the Globemaster Us remained in service until replaced by the Lockheed C-5A Galaxy during 1970.
When the Globemaster Is ended their useful, service life; some were acquired by civil cargo operators.
D.Donald "The Encyclopedia of World Aircraft", 1997
| CREW | 6 |
| PASSENGERS | 200 |
| ENGINE | 4 x P+W R-4360-63, 2795kW |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 84000 kg | 185189 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 53.1 m | 174 ft 3 in |
| Length | 39.8 m | 131 ft 7 in |
| Height | 14.7 m | 48 ft 3 in |
| Wing area | 233.0 m2 | 2507.99 sq ft |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Cruise speed | 520 km/h | 323 mph |
| Ceiling | 6100 m | 20000 ft |
| Range w/max.fuel | 6500 km | 4039 miles |
| Range w/max payload | 1970 km | 1224 miles |
| Steve Hodges, e-mail, 25.01.2011 22:12 Stationed at Hickam A.F.B., Hawaii, 1967 to 1969. Worked "backline" on C-124's as they came out of major inspections. We put them back together and went up on check flights to make sure they were safe to return to the flightline guys. Great plane and I miss it! reply | | Roger Wendorff, e-mail, 17.01.2011 05:26 correction in e mail address reply | | Roger Wendorff, e-mail, 17.01.2011 00:30 Also was a FE on C124c at Charleston 3d mas I went to basic FE school with the little BOGER...Mbogerc150@yahoo.com reply |
| Walker Smith, e-mail, 15.01.2011 00:18 When I arrived at McChord as an A2C from Keesler AFB in late Jan. or early Feb., 1965, there were 68 C-124's assigned to the 62nd MAW. I was a Radar Tech and worked on the APS-42 Weather Radar plus the other navigational systems. Our shop was in an old brick building on the hill overlooking the T-33 parking ramp. We later moved to a new facility near the Phase Docks and became the 62nd CEMS. In the Spring of 1967 I went TDY for 120 days to Mactan AB in the Philippines where I was assigned to the 606th MASS (Mil. Airlift Support Sq.). The majority of our work was on transient C-124's, C-130's, C-133's, C-121's and various other prop planes going to and coming from 'Nam. A C-124 burned on the ramp one day and cost our Sq. Commander his job. When I left McChord AFB for Forbes AFB, KS, in June, 1968, there were still 28 "Shakeys" assigned and about 40 C-141's that were replacing them. The last C-124 I saw fly was passing through Osan AB, Korea, about July of 1974. It was on it's way to the military museum in Seoul. It had an APS-42 problem and no one on day shift had any experience on the system but it's doubtful that even had it been properly troubleshot that a part could have been found to repair it. I retired from the AF in Feb., 1992. reply | |
| | Chilton Christopher, e-mail, 13.01.2011 21:59 3rd TCS, Donaldson AFB, crew chief on "shakey "'56 thru '59, great memories, lotsa trips to great places. Wouldn't trade that time for anything. reply | | Gerry Keffer, e-mail, 07.01.2011 02:27 I remember the first time I saw a C-124 taxing to the runway. It was in 1971 at Norton AFB, CA. The thing that amazed me most was the Flight Engineer (I believe) Sitting on top (actually standing in an open hatch on top) directing the pilot where to steer the thing as the pilot couldn't see the taxiway lines very well, if at all.
It wasn't until a few months later that I learned of it's nickname was 'Shaky Jake.' And from the stories I heard it was a well deserved name. Not all flights were 'shaky' but the ones that were are regarded as highly memorable. reply | | Tommy Nilsson, e-mail, 06.01.2011 18:40 In 60 - 61 I served in the 10th Swedish UN-bat in Congo. June 7th - 10th 1961, we were carried back to Sweden in USAF MATS C124 nr. 30046. In the nearness of the Tchad Lake, the aircraft hit two colliding thunderstorms. The flightlevel was about 9000 ft. During 20 minutes, the aircraft was "out of hands" for the pilots - completely in the thunderstorms power. Later the pilots told us that they couldn`t do anything - just follow the old bird, who finally overcame the storms. During these 20 minutes, Old Shaky behaved like an out-flipped elevator. As most, the falling-speed was 5400 ft /min and the rising-speed was 4000 ft /min. As most it fell 6000 ft from the flight-level before the incident. Some cargo wasn`t secured enough and one box hit the roof so strongly that it made a small hole in the outer surface. Not fastened soldiers and luggage flew around like spacemen. Many soldiers were more or less injured. The pilots decided to land at Wheelus Air Base, Libya for the soldiers medical treatment and, of course, for the old bird`s own sake. It was a scaring experience and most of us were ready to say goodbye.We were all grateful to Old Shaky 30046, who brought us back to life. At Wheelus, we enjoyed the American hospitality for more than 24 hours.
Now it`s soon 50 years since it happpened. We are still some veterans from Congo who use to meet and at every time we talk about this flight.
Are there any readers of this site who knows anything about this flight. It happened on June 8th 1961 about 2000 kms northeast of Leopoldville.
And are the flight log books filed somewhere. And is it possible to get information from these.
Tommy Nilsson, Malmoe, Sweden. Email ranemson@hotmail.com reply | | tom horne, e-mail, 26.12.2010 05:08 I was station at Hickam AFB from 66-70, work out of 780 and the docks really had a good time with alot of good folks. Don Hairrell, and i were good friends. Eddie Smith, Bill ??? from pittsburg, screege ???? If anybody from the era please write. reply | | Gordon Rupert, e-mail, 21.12.2010 18:19 My Dad (Gordon Sr.)flew as a Loadmaster on 124's out of Donaldson, 53-54. He has several great stories from the 124's and 119's. Would love to hear from anyone from there whether you remember him or not. reply | | Bob Matthews, e-mail, 21.12.2010 01:07 After Basic Training, I went to school on the C124 at Shepard AFB TX in early 1957. From there I went to Charleston AFB (1608 Flight Line Maintenance) and worked ON C54'S until the birds to arrived from Mobile AL. I was crew chief and crew on two bifferent birds 1008 and 5340 from 1957 to 1960 when I was dischared. (yes I said chief and crew which ment many hours on the flight line) Loved them, learned a lot and had fun keeping them in flying condition. What was the one thing that none of us wanted to hear: (PLUG CHANGE ACROSS THE BOARD), never seen so many baffel plates.
Just found this site, it's great reading the stories. I recently visited Charleston AFB and they had a static display of old shaky. reply | | Bob Gillihan, e-mail, 21.12.2010 01:03 Want to let Dick Bennion now that I to was at Hickham AFB early 1959 till mid 1962 assigned to 1502nd FLMS along with Frank Bailey, Richard Haan, and (?), to many years ago. reply | | James (Max) Boger, e-mail, 14.12.2010 04:56 I'm a retired MSGT Flight Engineer. I was assigned to The 3ATS at Chaleston, SC in 1963. I flew "Old Shakey until we transitioned to C141's. In 1967 I wrangled an assigment back to the C124 in the 22MAS, Tachikawa,Japan. We flew mostly in Vietnam, Clark and Thailand. It was a great old bird and I miss it and the people who I had the priviledge of flying with. My last assignment was at Dover on the C5A. However, the highlight of my career was all the hours flying on "Old Shakey" reply | | Jack Pickard, e-mail, 14.12.2010 01:36 I was PCS from Hunter AFB SAC to Hickem AFB 1502PMS and changed to 1502OMS 1962 to 1964. We were a C-118 SQ. Was a Crew chief. We sometimes would go TDY on C-124 and it was a good old frame to carry loads that would not fit in any other AC.Had a army truck that did not have fuel tanks low so we had fuel in cargo area.Remember pulling hatches to vent fumes and clouds floating through cargo area. Loved the R-4360 and R-2800 engines Liked my 4years9mos reply | | John Morgan, e-mail, 12.12.2010 06:39 My Dad, Col. Fred A. Morgan, was the Commander of the 7th LSS at Robins AFB from 1956-1961. Some of my earliest memories are of C-124s on the flight line at Robins, the winning 7th LSS softball team and squadron picnics. My parents were lost in a tragic plane crash in 1970, although I will always hold fond memories of Robins AFB and the 7th LSS. reply | |
| | WILLIAM F. RUPNICK, e-mail, 08.12.2010 04:05 I was in the 2ndSS at Castle from 53til56 darn good aircraft exspecially when you se it flying with 3 and 4 engines feathered that is the day 090 went into mt hope rcab Canada lt wofford and flight engineer done excellent job. have a few pictures of accident reply |
| Dick Bennion, e-mail, 06.12.2010 18:03 I started out at Lackland in 1957, then to Chanute Field for Recip. Eng. School, then to Travis in 1958 to the 1501st FMS. Later assigned to Carb. Shop were we worked on all kinds of aircraft. Helped build the golf course at Travis and ended up working at the golf course during the day and the flight line at night. Lots of good memories and have found my old room mate, Chuck Kelberlau, and we email back and forth. Anyone else out there from the 1501st between 1958 and 1962? reply | | Gene Fish, e-mail, 05.12.2010 10:43 I flew as a C-124 Flight Engineer (caps deserved for any crew position on Ol' Shakey!) with the 17th ATS / MAS at Charleston from 64 to 71. Like many other flight crew members I loved the lumbering giant with all its many parts flying in close formation - most of the time. We had the best missions I can imagine; North to cold country, East to Europe and the Middle East, South to South America and Africa, West to the Far East. Got shot at, but survived during the general unpleasantness in Viet Nam. Would go back into the AF today if they would let me fly Ol' Shakey again! reply | | Walt Martley, e-mail, 28.11.2010 20:02 Sometimes I was that poor guy with his upper half sticking out of the top hatch during taxi. The perch was a bit precarious, standing on the tables in the center of the cockpit. If the taxiways were narrow, like in Landstuhl, one had to stretch out over the top side and try to check that tires were centered on the concrete and not about to smash into taxiway lights. A little scary for anyone my size (5 ft 8 in). I, also, like one other poster, crewed 51-150 for a time in the mid-fifties, as an engine mechanic on hazardous duty pay. Got to cross both big oceans with the 19th Log, and fell in love with England during RON time there. Volunteered to go there, and ended up at Burtonwood running in engines on a big flatbed engine stand for a WB-50 squadron. reply | | Ray D. Airy, e-mail, 26.11.2010 20:38 I was with the 1607th periodic maint Sqdn from 9 /56 to 9 /57. I was a real new 2nd Lt maint officer on the
C-124C. MSGT Mader and others got me started and kept me in line. I owe those NCO's a great deal.
Lt Col Rodman Crawford was the Sqnd Cmdr. We were on a wartime schdule during the Suze crisis and had to work around the clock to turn out the inspections and sell the acft back to flightline sqdn to load and get out.
I learned analyzer, thanks to some great engineers.
Got RIFED in 9-57......spent 32 years in AFRES and IA ANG, retired
Brig Gen 01-02-90.........I'll never forget my start with the 1607th PMS, and The 124 reply | | Ray D. Airy, e-mail, 26.11.2010 20:38 I was with the 1607th periodic maint Sqdn from 9 /56 to 9 /57. I was a real new 2nd Lt maint officer on the
C-124C. MSGT Mader and others got me started and kept me in line. I owe those NCO's a great deal.
Lt Col Rodman Crawford was the Sqnd Cmdr. We were on a wartime schdule during the Suze crisis and had to work around the clock to turn out the inspections and sell the acft back to flightline sqdn to load and get out.
I learned analyzer, thanks to some great engineers.
Got RIFED in 9-57......spent 32 years in AFRES and IA ANG, retired
Brig Gen 01-02-90.........I'll never forget my start with the 1607th PMS, and The 124 reply |
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WILLIAM F. RUPNICK
H Wendy . Just got your message on the C124. Nice to hear from you. I went from the c141 at CHS to The 22 MAS at Tachikawa AB from 1967 to 1969 when it was closed down. It was a great tour at Tachi . We had four FEs and two LM who were all sent back to Chs. The 3rd Mas finally wound up at Dover,Delewar.
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