AMC Museum receives rare airlifter

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DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The AMC Museum received a rare WW II Lockheed C-60 Lodestar airlifter on October 5th. It was delivered via a Dover AFB C-5M Galaxy, also built by Lockheed.

The addition of a C-60 now gives the AMC Museum a complete set of every significant Lockheed airlifter built since WW II, the only museum in the world that can make that claim.

The LoadStar was transferred from the Robins AFB Museum in Georgia as part of a downsizing plan. The plane perfectly fits the Mission of the AMC Museum so the National Museum of the USAF approved the transfer. The 436 Airlift Wing provided the C-5M airlift as part of their aircrew training program. 

The entire fuselage of the C-60 complete with both engines and the inboard wing was able to fit in the C-5's massive cargo compartment. It was a close fit but professionally planned and executed.

The LoadStar series of aircraft were developed to compete with the Douglas C-47/DC-3 Skytrain. Slightly smaller and faster the Army Air Force purchased about 400 of Lockheed's last twin engine airlifter in comparison to more than 10,000 C-47s.

Some were assigned to the Air Transport Command and used for paratroop training. Some were used to haul freight and passengers or general utility service. They were quickly retired after WW II and fewer than a dozen still flying today. Only four are known to exist in museums.

The aircraft will be reassembled and ready for display before the end of November. It can already seen at the museum while work is in progress.

Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free and photography is welcome. Take exit 93 off DE Route 1 and follow Route 9 for one half of a mile. Watch for the museum entrance signs.  Call 302-677-5938 for more information. Adults and children of all ages are encouraged to come and enjoy learning about the history of your United States Air Force.