C-123K

	Fairchild C-123K Provider
	Cargo, Troop Carrier (Cold War, Vietnam)
	HEIGHT-34' 1"   LENGTH-75' 9"   WINGSPAN-110'   MAX WEIGHT-60,000 LBS   MAX SPEED-228 MPH   CREW-2-4 PAYLOAD-24,000 LBS CARGO, 61 COMBAT TROOPS OR 50 STRETCHERS ENGINES-2 PW R2800-99W @ 2,300 HP EA AND 2 J85-GE-17 TURBOJETS @ 2,850 LB THRUST EA
	Designed to fly from short, unprepared runways with a rear ramp for parachute jumps, cargo drops and parachute drag unloading it could carry most wheeled vehicles and howitzers. Used extensively in Vietnam for troop transport, defoliant spraying, and Forward Air Control, the K model was equipped with two turbojets to increase the C-123's Short Take-Off and Landing capabilities. The C-123 was instrumental in the re-supply of troops going where other transports could not. Other C-123's were equipped with 7.62mm miniguns, flares, and night sensors. These aircraft were designated AC-123K Gunships. No fuel is carried in the wings of the aircraft to reduce the chance of fire in combat. This aircraft was delivered to the U.S. Air Force in 1955, and was based at Ardmore AFB, OK., Dreux, France, and at Leopoldville AP, Congo. 1972 it was with the 1st Air Commando Wing at Eglin AFB. It retired from service in Sept 1981, and flew into the March Field Air Museum.
	54-0612 is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Museum.