C-131 Samaritan

The C-131 Samaritan is a multipurpose military transport aircraft developed by the American firm Convair (later General Dynamics). Its design was based on the civilian transport aircraft Convair CV-240 Convair-Liner, with serial production commencing in February 1948.
Key Missions and Development
The primary task of the C-131 Samaritan was the evacuation of military personnel and the wounded. Additionally, a specific modification of the C-131 was developed based on the Convair CV-440 Metropolitan, expanding its operational capabilities.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | C-131B |
| Wingspan, m | 32.12 |
| Aircraft length, m | 24.84 |
| Aircraft height, m | 8.59 |
| Wing area, m2 | 85.47 |
| Empty weight | 15110 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 22544 |
| Internal fuel, kg | 4708 |
| Engine type | 2 Piston engines Pratt Whitney R-2800-CB17 Double Wasp |
| Power, hp | 2 x 2500 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 483 |
| Practical range, km | 3106 |
| Operational range, km | 463 |
| Service ceiling, m | 7590 |
| Crew | 2-3 crew members |
| Payload | 52 passengers or 5820 kg of cargo |
Image and diagram gallery of the C-131 Samaritan
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![]() C-131 Samaritan |
![]() C-131 Samaritan |
![]() C-131 Samaritan |
![]() C-131 Samaritan |
![]() C-131 Samaritan |
![]() C-131 Samaritan |
ArchivoAéreo Editorial Team
A group of aviation researchers and enthusiasts dedicated to documenting and preserving global aeronautical history. All articles are reviewed to ensure historical accuracy.
Sources & Accuracy
The information presented in this technical sheet has been compiled from declassified flight manuals, historical archives, and specialized literature. While we strive for maximum accuracy, some performance data may vary depending on the specific variant or operational conditions.












