One of the most famous twin engine aircraft ever built, the “Beech” was used as a training and liaison aircraft of the WWII era. Alaska UC45F’s were used for search and rescue by the Army Air Forces. After the war, N1047B was operated by Ward Air Service in Juneau. A photo of this aircraft in flight appears in the Time-Life series titled “The Bush Pilots”.

N1047B  BEECH 18S  S/N 7728  AIR FORCE S/N 44-4734

This aircraft came to this museum after being purchased from an operator in southeast Alaska. It looks much as it would have in 1946 and is awaiting funds for restoration.

The Beechcraft Model 18 or “Twin Beech”, as it was better known first flew on January 15, 1937. It was configured to carry from 6 to 11 people. The aircraft was in production for 32 years, with over 9,000 aircraft built; 5,000 were built as C-45’s which were used by the US Army Air Corps, the US Navy, and the Royal Air force. There were 2,000 built in the post World War II period and production ceased in 1969. After World War II the Beech 18 was highly modified by various Companies, the most recognized were modified by Volpar who installed tricycle landing gear, extended the fuselage and installed Garrett TPE 331 turboprop engines. N1047B was flown here to the Museum in 1988.

The Twin Beech’s have been used in a variety of applications in addition to passenger transport. Some of these include aerial spraying, fish seeding, movie productions, skydiving, and freight. It was used officially in North and South America, several countries in Europe, Africa, and much of Asia.

This aircraft came to Juneau Alaska in June 1979. After some modifications it was sold to Alaska Coastal Airlines Corporation of Juneau. The following September it was sold to 2 private individuals. On September 30, 1987 it was sold to the Alaska Aviation Museum and is now waiting for funds for restoration.

(Wikipedia) - Beechcraft Model 18

FAA Registry: Model C18S, engine make and model blank.

warplane.com ca - Beechcraft Expeditor

twinbeech.com

skytamer.com - Beechcraft Model 18GS “Twin Beech”