Other characteristics were a maximum speed of 281 mph at 18,000 feet, an initial climb of 950 feet per minute, a service ceiling of 21,200 feet, and a range over 3,000 miles. The aircraft weighed 32,500 pounds empty and 54,000 pounds loaded. Wingspan was 106 feet 5.5 inches, and wing area was 1,400 square feet. With two 2,100 horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engines, it was clearly the most capable aircraft in its class.

The mock-up was approved in October 1942 and the first prototype of XC-82 Packet flew Sept. The rear clamshell cargo doors had embedded standard doors so those two rows of paratroopers could jump at the same time. It would have a hinged rear section for loading vehicles, artillery and similar items that were too large for the doors of the C-46 or C-47. The company recommended a high-wing, twin-boom design with a large capacity nacelle suspended under the wing between the booms for the crew, passengers and cargo. Fairchild Corporation concentrated on building small aircraft until World War II when the Army wanted a specialized troop and cargo carrier.

Air force 14th acw/sow spooky gunship