Curtiss C-46H Commando

1945 military subtype, essentially an enhanced C-46F.

A single C-46A converted to C-46H prototype.

Late in the war, Curtiss designed an enhanced version of the Commando, designated C-46H. It was a cargo aircraft based on the C-46F fuselage - with a single cargo door on each side - featuring upgraded engines and a tiwn tailwheel. All Commandos produced until then were equipped with the Pratt & Whitney R-2800-51 or -75, which belonged to the B-series of that engine model. The C-46H would be equipped with C-series R-2800s, featuring forged, rather than cast cylinders, allowing an increased compression ratio (from 6.65:1 to 6.75:1), a redesigned crankshaft, a single piece, rather than split crankcase center section, and a two section nose casing, incorporating hydraulically operated torque-monitoring equipment and an automatic, vacuum operated spark-advance unit. The supercharger used fluid coupling for the second stage. The updraft Bendix-Stromberg PT-13 carburetor was of the upgraded G-variant instead of the D.

Contract AC24581/25 was signed on 14 March 1944 to provide the USAAF with 300 C-46H, and a further 550 units were ordered in 1945.

In late 1945, a C-46A was converted with C-series R-2800s and became the C-46H prototype. The exact engine variant actually used is unknown, and there is no indication that a twin tailwheel was fitted either. The end of hostilities brought the C-46H project to an end, as Air Force orders were cancelled.

Prototype converted from:

• Curtiss C-46A-41-CU Commando: 42-107294