Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando

In 1940 Curtiss-Wright first flew the prototype CW-20, a 36-seat commercial airliner.  The U.S. Army was interested in the aircraft as a transport which entered service as the C-46 Commando in 1942.  Over 3,000 were built.

Although the Commando is overshadowed in fame by the Douglas C-47, the C-46 could carry a far greater load and was instrumental in supplying forces in China flying over "the Hump" (Himalayas) from India.