Curtiss C-46D Commando

1944 military subtype, essentially the troop carrier version of the C-46A.

1,410 Commandos produced for the USAAF

The C-46D was the dedicated troop carrier version of the C-46A. Specifications were essentially the same, except for revised doors. In this version, the cabin could accomodate up to 50 paratroopers.

Several blocks of C-46Ds went on to be produced, featuring minor variations:

• C-46D-1 (prod. 13): same as C-46A-45 except for: one paratroop static cable and jump signal assembly, radio revisions and relocation of the toilet to the rear;
• C-46D-5 (prod. 298): same as C-46D-1 except for: two static lines and jump signal assemblies, formation lights, additional door in right side, additional door in left rear cargo door and other minor changes;
• C-46D-10 (prod. 448): same as C-46D-5 except for: R-2800-75 engine instead of R-2800-51 and other minor changes;
• C-46D-15 (prod. 451): same as C-46D-10 except for: *unavailable*;
• C-46D-20 (prod. 200): same as C-46D-15 except for: *unavailable*.

The C-46D was mainly delivered to the Combat Cargo Groups: the 1^st & 4^th CCG in the China-Burma-India theatre, and the 2^nd CCG in the South Pacific theatre.