"djmt1" (djmt1)
10/08/2014 at 17:23 • Filed to: Planes
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"djmt1" (djmt1)
10/08/2014 at 17:23 • Filed to: Planes | 1
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I've been watching a lot of Ice Pilots lately so much that I forgot that they are a real airline and I've been wondering about their fleet. From what I gather the DC 4 and the C46 are both used as Cargo Planes but both seem to have a set role. Now I have no idea what these roles are and I'm very curious what the big difference between the two planes are. Plus considering they use the Electras now do they still need the old Warplanes or do their piston engines give them a special trait that justifies their continued service?
Chris Clarke
> djmt1
10/08/2014 at 17:32 |
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The DC-4 was built specifically for carrying passengers, hence all the windows down the side. It has since been converted for cargo as its primary role. The C-46 is a purpose built military cargo aircraft designed to compete with the DC-4, but created with the primary intent of hauling stuff not people.
I'm not really sure how the Ice Pilot's use these aircraft specifically, but the C-46 with the tailwheel configuration is generally more durable out of undeveloped airfields like those made out of dirt, gravel or snow covered.
The Compromiser
> djmt1
10/08/2014 at 23:22 |
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I would say, reliability, durability, ease of use, and maintenance (ability). They can land places newer planes can't because they are designed for it. You would be in C130 territory with what they do, and still not good at it. The fact they are 70 YO planes and still fly constantly with minimal issues says something.
They are switching up to the Electras because the volume and efficiency is there to replace some of what they have. With the fuel for the piston planes being a scarce comodity and getting harder to find by the day, the newer planes are needed to replace what they can't repair/patch/fuel anymore. They are scavenging around the world to keep the current ones in the air but running out of sources. They have been only going after Electras the last couple of seasons to purchase.