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Douglas C-118 Liftmaster
Photo: United States Air Force · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
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DouglasC-118Liftmaster

Tactical Transports · United States · 1946
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DouglasC-118Liftmaster

Douglas C-118 Liftmaster
Douglas C-118 Liftmaster Photo: United States Air Force · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Payload
55
Short / Rough-Field Capability
50
Range
60
Cargo Versatility
65
Reliability
70
Self-Protection
30
Low-Altitude Capability
65
Versatility
70
Technology
60
Cost-Effectiveness
68
Origin United States
CategoryTactical Transports
EraEarly Cold War
In service1946–1958
Operators68 countries
Quantity704
Data Quality88%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
58
Tactical Transports MASS Rating
35/60
Early Cold War
135/215
All-Time
Tactical Transports · 10 axes scored
Payload
55
Short / Rough-Field Capability
50
Range
60
Cargo Versatility
65
Reliability
70
Self-Protection
30
Low-Altitude Capability
65
Versatility
70
Technology
60
Cost-Effectiveness
68
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the tactical transports category.
01 / Overview
Douglas C-118 Liftmaster
Production
1946–1958
Quantity
704
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS · EARLY COLD WAR
35
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
78
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
58
tactical transports category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the tactical transports category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
  • First Flight1946
  • Service Entry Year1947
  • Crew4
  • Primary RoleTactical transport
  • In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant3MOD.3
  • Engine TypePratt & Whitney R-2800-CB17 Double Wasp radial engine
  • Number of Engines4
  • Power (each, turboprop)1,865 kW
▣Performance5MOD.5
  • Cruise Speed501 km/h
  • Service Ceiling7,620 m
  • Maximum Range7,612 km
  • Range with Max Payload4,835 km
  • Unpaved / Short FieldYes
◇Cargo & Capacity2MOD.2
◆Aerial Refueling2MOD.2
▤Dimensions & Weights5MOD.5
  • Length32.18 m
  • Wingspan35.81 m
  • Height8.66 m
  • Empty Weight25,100 kg
  • Max Takeoff Weight48,534 kg
⬢Production2MOD.2
  • Total Built704
  • Variants4
▲Service History3MOD.3
  • Production Start1946
  • Production End1958
  • Operational StatusIn limited service
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1946Production started
  2. 1958Production ended
80
years in service
12
years in production
704
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ 67 countries retired it.
04 / Operators
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE4terms
Aerial tanker: military aircraft equipped to refuel other aircraft in flight using a system of hoses or booms.
Capable of receiving fuel from another aircraft while in flight, extending its operational range and endurance.
A hinged rear fuselage section on military transport aircraft that lowers to enable direct loading/unloading of cargo or vehicles from the aircraft's tail.
Ability to take off and land on unpaved or short runways.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Tactical Transports entry →