Fairchild C-82 Packet

1h ago · © TangoLima

A rare Fairchild C-82 Packet in yellow firefighting livery, preserved or stored on the ramp – a unique postwar twin-boom cargo icon.

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Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner (Metro III/Metro 23 likely)

Aircraft

C-82 Packet C82

Yellow and white (tanker/firefighting, no airline titles visible)

N1381W

Registration

Manufacturer

Fairchild

Gear

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max back triple camera 16.891mm f/2.8

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager

2 badges earned

Photo grade

Bronze

Score: 72.0

Nice side-on capture, but clutter and soft focus slightly reduce impact. The aircraft stands out with its bright yellow livery.

Location

El Paso International Airport

ELP/KELP

31.8099, -106.3760

Open map

El Paso International Airport ELP

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The Fairchild C-82 Packet is a landmark postwar American twin-boom cargo aircraft, precursor to the C-119 Flying Boxcar. Used heavily by USAF, N1381W is an extremely rare civilian survivor, likely converted for aerial firefighting.

Fleet Rarity

Extremely rare – likely fewer than five C-82s remain airworthy or intact worldwide.

Record Flights

Not known for record flights, but notable for its rare civilian firebomber conversion and operations in rugged, remote areas.

Safety & Events

A few civilian C-82s had notable post-service careers as firebombers or utility aircraft; N1381W is one of the last surviving examples.

Future Outlook

Likely stored long-term or awaiting preservation; most remaining examples are museum pieces or derelict.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engines

Engine

33.5 m

Wingspan

22.10 m

Length

2,400 km

Range

290 km/h

Speed

42 troops, or ~8,165 kg (cargo)

Capacity

24,040 kg

MTOW

8.2 m

Height

Each engine ~2,000 hp (piston, not jet thrust rating)

Thrust

Not rated under modern ICAO standards; piston engine, typically >100 dB in operation

Noise