Based upon the Convair Model 440 commercial airliner, VC-131D aircraft were acquired for transporting government officials and dignitaries. With improved soundproofing over earlier Model 340 aircraft, they could comfortably seat up to 44 passengers. These aircraft were assigned to Headquarters units of various military commands throughout the world.
During its career, this aircraft as transportation for a variety of dignitaries including Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and the Shah of Iran prior to being allocated to the California Air National Guard where it served as 'California One', the official aircraft for the Governor of California, and was used by Governors Brown and Deukmajian.
USAF s/n 54-2822 is a VC-131D-CO, one of 16 built by Consolidated-Vultee Aircraft (CONVAIR) in San Diego, CA. It was delivered to the Air Force on 15 March 1955, being first assigned to the 4500th Support Squadron (TAC), Langley AFB, VA. In December 1957 it moved to the 7100th Support Wing (USAFE), Wiesbaden AB, Germany; returning to the 4500th Support Squadron at Langley AFB, VA, in February 1958. It was assigned to the 7415th Support Group (USAFE), Orly Field, Paris, France, in September 1958; then the 317th Air Base Group (USAFE), Evreux/Fauville AB, France, in October 1958; the 513th Troop Carrier Wing (USAFE), Orly Field, France, in April 1966; the 7101st Air Base Wing (USAFE), Chievres, Belgium, and Echterdingen Army Field, Germany, in October 1967; to the Military Assistance Group (USAFE), Teheran, Iran, in July 1973; and the 144th Fighter Interceptor Wing (ANG), Fresno, CA, in May 1978. While with the 144th, the aircraft was known as 'California One', and it was based much of the time at McClellan AFB. The aircraft was presented to the museum after its final flight on 27 June 1989.
Specifications:
Crew: 3/4
Pax: 40
Power Plant: 2× 2,500 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800-99W Double Wasp 18-cylinder radial engines
Dimensions:
- Span: 105' 4"
- Length: 79' 2"
- Height: 28' 2"
Weight:
- Empty: 29,248 lb
- Maximum: 47,000 lb
Performance:
- Speed:
- - Max: 293 mph
- - Cruise: 254 mph
- Range: 1,200 miles
- Ceiling: 24,500 ft
- Climb: 1,520 fpm
Source: aircraft placard
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