THE
‘LIFTER’S HALF CENTURY
50
years ago, the USAF’s MATS division took delivery of the first of 284 LOCKHEED C-141A’s
which was named ‘Starlifter’. As
deliveries took place it gradually replaced its predecessor, the C-124
Globemaster ll, to form the backbone of the US military’s transport capability
for the next three decades. The C-141
has been involved in every major world conflict be it involving the U.S or in a
supporting role for allies from 1965 to 2004 when the last active duty example
was retired, being replaced by the C-17 who took over the mantle. It shouldered a large percentage of airlift
duty during the Vietnam War, both in the cargo and personnel role. MATS became
MAC in 1966, and from 1992 flew under the AMC banner.
In 1975
all existing C-141A’s were modified to C-141B’s which involved a two plug
fuselage extension and an in-flight refuelling capability. In 1992 further
modifications were made to 63 C-141B’s becoming C-141C’s, the changes being
mainly internal plus additional software upgrades. Over the years the Starlifter became a
familiar sight as it crisscrossed the globe visiting numerous facilities
including landing on the ice caps. An example on the production line was
modified to commercial standards (L-300) in the hope that the civil cargo market
might find it attractive, but there was little interest and the aircraft was
passed on to NASA.
The
C-141 was no stranger in the Pacific, a major theatre of operations for the
aircraft, and of course Australia
figured in this respect with frequent supply flights to U.S installations in
the country and supporting numerous exercises. The Cairns airport saw several visits of the
Starlifter in the decades before retirement. Probably the most notable being the visit of
an example sent to pick up former President Clinton after 9/11, who happened to
be visiting the area. Following
withdrawal of the type from ANG service the last operating unit of the type,
they were retired to the AMARG facility in Arizona for storage. The familiar sight may well be gone but not
forgotten.
 |
| backtracking
on rw15 at Cairns is this C-141B wearing EU1 camouflage |
 |
| 60130
a Mississippi ANG (reserve) C-141C climbs out of Cairns in the later grey trim |
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| 70021
a C-141C of the Tennessee ANG (reserve) lays over at Cairns |
 |
CIC of
MAC used this C-141B as his personal transport.
Note gold trim on tail and
cheat line.
70166 was the final Starlifter built, seen here at RIAT. |
 |
| this
C-141B was caught over the fence for rw33 at Cairns |
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| MAC
C-141B 70024 rotates off runway 23 at Dublin, it wears the high viz trim |
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| C-141A
50248 at Mildenhall in the original silver finish, the shorter fuselage is
evident |
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| newspaper
cutting, courtesy of the Cairns Post |
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| NASA 714 L-300 N714NA seen here at Christchurch |
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| 64-0616 C141B McGuire seen at Wellington Airport. |
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| 64-0616 C141B McGuire landing rw16 at Wellington Airport. |
Thanks to GAFLIKS for providing this Yestayear Extra report.
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