What is c-87 aircraft?

The C-87 aircraft was a military transport aircraft designed and produced by the American company Consolidated Aircraft during World War II. It was based on the Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bomber and was designed to transport cargo and personnel to remote locations and battlefields.

The C-87 had a longer fuselage than the B-24, which allowed it to carry more cargo and equipment. It could carry up to 20,000 pounds of cargo, including vehicles, artillery, and supplies. It had a range of approximately 2,800 miles and could reach a maximum speed of 300 miles per hour.

The C-87 also served as a transport for VIPs, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who used it for travel during the war. Additionally, some C-87 aircraft were modified to serve as air ambulances, with space for up to 30 stretchers.

However, the C-87 had several shortcomings, including poor performance at high altitudes and a tendency to be unstable in flight. It also had a high accident rate, which led to it being nicknamed the "Cargo-Letta" or "Bamboo Bomber".

In total, around 300 C-87 aircraft were produced during the war, and they saw service with the United States Army Air Forces, Royal Air Force, and other Allied forces.