Douglas VC-118A Liftmaster
The C-118 is a militarized version of the Douglas DC-6 airliner. Just over 100 C-118s were acquired for use by the Air Force as passenger and cargo transports. The main difference between the military and civil versions is the installation of a large cargo door on the left side of the aircraft. The C-118s were used primarily as passenger aircraft and several eventually served in the Presidential fleet. This aircraft served as the official Air Force One for Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. It was the last propeller driven aircraft to be designated as the primary Presidential transport. The VC-118A was overshadowed during its service by the introduction of the first Boeing VC-137s. Both Presidents preferred to travel in the larger, faster jet aircraft and the VC-118 was used primarily for short trips to airports that were too small for the big Boeings. Once the VC-137 became the primary Presidential aircraft the VC-118 was used as a back up plane and to transport lower ranking VIPs.

Wingspan117 ft 6 in .
Length100 ft 7 in.
Height28 ft 8 in.
Weight107,000 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed380 MPH
Service Ceiling29,000 ft
Range4,720 miles
EnginesFour Pratt & Whitney R-2800-52W radials with 2,500 horsepower each
Crew5 with 24 passengers
ManufacturerDouglas
Markings1254th Air Transport (Special Missions) Wing, Andrews AFB, Maryland, 1962
Serial Number53-3240
DesignationVC-118A “Air Force One”