C-123 vs. Caribou

Attribute	C-123	Caribou
Manufacturer	Fairchild	De Havilland Canada
Role	Military transport aircraft	STOL cargo aircraft
First flight	1949	1958
Number built	307	307
Engine type	Radial piston engines	Turboprop engines

Introduction

When it comes to military transport aircraft, the C-123 Provider and the Caribou are two iconic planes that have served various roles over the years. Both aircraft have their own unique attributes and capabilities that make them stand out in the aviation world. In this article, we will compare the key features of the C-123 and Caribou to see how they stack up against each other.

Design and Development

The C-123 Provider was developed by Chase Aircraft in the 1940s as a successor to the C-82 Packet. It was designed as a cargo and troop transport aircraft with a distinctive twin-boom configuration. The Caribou, on the other hand, was developed by de Havilland Canada in the 1950s as a STOL (short takeoff and landing) utility transport aircraft. It featured a high wing design with fixed tricycle landing gear.

Both aircraft were designed to operate in rugged and austere environments, making them ideal for military missions in remote areas. The C-123 had a larger cargo capacity compared to the Caribou, but the Caribou's STOL capabilities allowed it to operate from shorter and unprepared airstrips.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the C-123 and Caribou have their own strengths and weaknesses. The C-123 was powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engines, giving it a top speed of around 250 mph and a range of over 1,000 miles. The Caribou, on the other hand, was equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboprop engines, allowing it to reach a top speed of 216 mph and a range of 1,200 miles.

While the C-123 had a higher cruising speed, the Caribou's STOL capabilities made it more versatile in terms of landing and takeoff operations. The Caribou could operate from short and unprepared airstrips, making it ideal for missions in remote and rugged terrain.

Operational History

Both the C-123 and Caribou have seen extensive service in various military conflicts around the world. The C-123 was used by the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War for cargo and troop transport missions. It was also used for aerial spraying of herbicides, including Agent Orange.

The Caribou, on the other hand, was used by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War for airdrop missions and troop transport. It was also used by other countries, including Australia and Canada, for various military and civilian operations. The Caribou's STOL capabilities made it a valuable asset in remote and rugged environments.

Legacy

Both the C-123 and Caribou have left a lasting legacy in the aviation world. The C-123 Provider was eventually replaced by more modern transport aircraft, but it remains a symbol of the Cold War era and the Vietnam War. The Caribou, on the other hand, continued to serve in various roles around the world until it was retired from military service in the 2000s.

Today, both aircraft are celebrated for their ruggedness, versatility, and reliability. The C-123 and Caribou have become iconic symbols of military transport aviation, and their contributions to various missions will not be forgotten.