Convair C-131 Samaritan

Convair C-131 Samaritan
Paese	Usa
Ruolo	Trasporti militari
Primo volo	1972
Costruito	512

Le Convair C-131 Samaritano è stato un trasporto militare bimotore americano prodotto dal 1954 al 1956 dalla Convair. Era la versione militare della famiglia di aerei di linea Convair CV-240.

fonte: Convair C-131 Samaritan su Wikipedia

Convair C-131D Samaritano a spasso
Fotografo	Vladimir Jakubov
Localizzazione	Planes of Fame Air Show
Foto	52

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Convair C-131 Samaritan Walk Around
Fotografo	Howard Mason
Localizzazione	Inconsapevole
Foto	18

Convair HC-131A Samaritan Walk Around
Fotografo	Vladimir Jakubov
Localizzazione	Museo dell'aria del castello, Atwate
Foto	106

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The “Samaritan” of the Skies

Le Samaritano Convair C-131D was the military transport version of the successful Convair CV-340 civilian airliner. Introduced in the 1950s, it was the first pressurized, twin-engine transport ordered by the U.S. Military Air Transport Service. While earlier variants like the C-131A were primarily flying hospitals, the “D” model was configured as a versatile personnel and VIP transport. Its reliability and pressurized cabin made it a staple for moving high-ranking officials and wounded personnel across the globe for over three decades.

Attribute	Technical Specification (C-131D)
Ruolo	Military Personnel / VIP Transport
Equipaggio	3-4 (Pilot, Co-pilot, Flight Engineer, Steward)
First Flight (C-131 series)	September 22, 1949
Motopropulsore	2 × Pratt & Whitney R-2800-103W radial engines
Horsepower	2,500 hp each (with water/alcohol injection)
Velocità massima	293 mph (472 km/h)
Service Ceiling	24,500 – 30,000 feet
Gamma	Approx. 1,300 – 1,800 miles
Capacità	44 Passengers or specialized VIP interiors

Engineering Excellence and Design Features

Pressurization Advantage: The C-131 was a massive leap forward from the unpressurized C-47s it replaced. This allowed it to fly above most weather, providing a much smoother ride for VIPs and more stable conditions for aeromedical evacuation patients.
Integral Airstair: Unlike many cargo planes of the era that required external ramps, the C-131D featured a built-in stairway that folded into the right side of the fuselage, allowing it to operate from remote airfields with minimal ground support.
Water/Alcohol Injection: To assist with heavy takeoffs or “hot and high” airfield conditions, its R-2800 engines could use a water-methanol injection system to temporarily boost horsepower, a common feature in late-era high-performance radial engines.
The “Long” Convair: The C-131D was based on the CV-340, which featured a longer fuselage and greater wingspan than the original CV-240 (used for the C-131A), allowing for increased payload and range.

A Legacy of Service

The First “Vomit Comet”: In 1959, a C-131 was the first aircraft used as a reduced-gravity platform to train the original Mercury Seven astronauts, earning it the famous “Vomit Comet” nickname.
The Gunship Testbed: In 1963, a C-131B was used for “Project Tailchaser,” the very first experiments in side-firing gunships, which eventually led to the development of the AC-47 and AC-130.
Air Force One Duty: On October 26, 1972, a C-131D was used by President Richard Nixon for a campaign trip, briefly serving as the primary presidential aircraft.
Long Life: While most were retired from the Air Force in the late 1970s, many continued to fly with the Air National Guard and the U.S. Navy well into the late 1980s.