C-45H

Beechcraft C-45H Expeditor

National Warplane Museum

The Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor was a versatile twin-engine transport and training aircraft that served with U.S. and allied forces from World War II through the early Cold War. Adapted from the civilian Beechcraft Model 18, the military Expeditor performed a wide range of roles over several decades, becoming one of the most widely used light transports in military aviation history.

Background

Initially introduced in 1937 as the Beechcraft Model 18, the design was quickly adopted by the U.S. military at the onset of WWII. The aircraft served in numerous variants, including the AT-11 Kansan, modified as a bombing and gunnery trainer, and later the C-45 Expeditor for transport, navigation training, and utility roles. In 1954, many surviving AT-11 airframes were remanufactured and upgraded into C-45H models to extend their service life, incorporating updated avionics, structural improvements, and standardized transport configurations.

Use & Purpose

The C-45 served as a utility transport, light cargo hauler, personnel transport, navigation trainer, and liaison aircraft. Its reliability, versatility, and relatively low operating cost made it a staple of U.S. Air Force and Navy operations through the 1960s. It also remained in service with many allied nations and civilian operators worldwide well into the 1970s and 1980s.

Museum Example

• Beechcraft C-45H Expeditor (Originally AT-11 Kansan)

• Manufacturer’s No.: 1506 (AT-11) / AF-469 (C-45H)

• Military No.: 41-27661 (AT-11) / 52-10539 (C-45H)

• Civilian Registration: N45GC

Built in 1941 as an AT-11 Kansan, this aircraft initially served as a bombing and gunnery trainer during WWII. In 1954, it was converted into a C-45H Expeditor as part of the Air Force’s modernization program, extending its operational service into the Cold War era. The aircraft was purchased by the Museum board in 2006 and remained an active flyer, participating in airshows and Museum programs for several years. It has been undergoing extended maintenance and inspection for the past eight years, with plans for its return to flight as a fully operational part of the Museum’s living history collection.

Once flying again, the C-45H will resume its role in public outreach, offering visitors the opportunity to experience one of the longest-serving multi-role aircraft of the 20th century.