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Today in Aviation History

Facts, records and events that can be found in the exhibits of the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

April 5, 1949

April 5, 1949 - The first two models of the Fairchild C-119 “Flying Boxcar” Transport are completed.

> When you visit the museum, you'll find more on Fairchild in our Golden Age gallery

> Check out our Historical Photo Archives for more on Fairchild


Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar
The Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar is an American military transport aircraft developed from the World War II-era Fairchild C-82, an earlier Fairchild aircraft, designed to carry cargo, personnel, patients, mechanized equipment, and to drop cargo and troops by parachute. The first C-119 made its initial flight in November 1947, and by the time production ceased in 1955, more than 1,100 C-119s had been built. Its cargo-hauling ability and unusual twin-boom design earned it the nickname "Flying Boxcar". More via the Air Mobility Command Museum


Fairchild Aircraft
Fairchild was an American aircraft and aerospace manufacturing company based at various times in Farmingdale, New York; Hagerstown, Maryland; and San Antonio, Texas.  The company was founded by Sherman Fairchild in 1924 as Fairchild Aviation Corporation, based in Farmingdale, and East Farmingdale, New York. It was established as the parent company for Fairchild's many aviation interests. More via SOVA Smithsonian Online Virtual Archives


Sherman Fairchild
Sherman Mills Fairchild (April 7, 1896 – March 28, 1971) was an American businessman, investor, and inventor. He founded over 70 companies, including Fairchild Aircraft (Fairchild Aviation Corporation), Fairchild Industries, and Fairchild Camera and Instrument. More via SOVA Smithsonian Online Virtual Archives