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VAN GILDER AVIATION PHOTOGRAPHY
Convair VC-131D Samaritan
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REG #: N131CW
USAF Serial #: 54-2809
C/N: 205
Tail #: 42809
Current Aircraft Status: Flying
Photo © Brian Lockett
Specs
Manufacturer: Convair
Type: Transport/Cargo
Engines: Two 2,500 HP Pratt & Whitney R-2800-103W
Wing Span: 105 ft. 4in.
Length: 79 ft. 2 in.
Tail Height 28 ft. 2 in.
Max Speed: 337 MPH
Cruising Speed: 299 MPH
Ceiling: 24,900 ft.
Max Range: 1,500 Miles
Normal Range: 1,300 Miles
Empty Weight: 33,000 lbs.
Max Weight: 47,000 lbs.
Crew: 4
Passengers: 44 Seat Airline Capacity
Fuel Consumption: (average) 200 GPH
Background
Convair created the C-131 for the USAF/USN as the transport version of the 240/340/440 series airliners produced from the late 1940's. The T-29 trainer was another version used to instruct navigators, bombardiers and radio operators. The C-131 was also used as medical evacuation and personnel transport. The C-131's were still being built in the 1960's and some were still being used by the Air National Guard units into the mid 1980's.
Samaritan N131CW
Built: July 1954
This aircraft was manufactured at Convair in San Diego as model 340-67 in July 1954. It was delivered to the USAF on October 26, 1954. It was used by a number of military units including Bolling AFB, DC; Dobbins AFB, GA; Hamilton AFB, CA; Maryland ANG 135th Tactical Flight Group at Otis ANG, Mass; with two stints in storage at Davis-Monthan AFB before being sold to an air cargo operator in Hermosillo, Mexico in 1996 for its engines.
The aircraft was found in storage at Tucson, AZ by Barry and Scott Holm who purchased it and fully restored inside and out as an exhibit of the aircrafts 4 different configurations inside. Supercharged engines are needed to run the cabin pressurization system. This is the only C-131 in the USA now flying with an operational pressurization system. The aircraft then received an award at the 1998 EAA Oshkosh Air Show for "Excellence in craftsmanship and dedication in the preservation of aviation history." Barry and Scott Holm from Vero Beach, Florida donated this beautiful VC-131D Samaritan to the CAF Southern California Wing in November 2001. The aircraft is displayed at the museum at Camarillo Airport and flown to air shows as part of the donation agreement.
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