C-119 Flying Boxcar "the Phoenix"

The Air Force C-119 Flying Boxcar (Navy R4-Q) was initially a redesign of the Fairchild C-82 Packet that was built between 1945 and 1948. The C-119 addressed many of the shortcomings of the Packet with more usable cargo space, more powerful engines, and a stronger airframe.

The first C-119 was delivered in December of 1949 and saw extensive action in the Korean War as a troop and equipment transport. Later versions would be modified for satellite tracking or as a "Stinger" gunship. and A total of 1185 C-119's were built and were in service with the Air Force until 1973. Civilian-operated C-119s were used as firebombers and transports in the northwest United States.

The aircraft featured (N15501) is a C-119G-3E that was manufactured by Fairchild Aircraft Company in 1968. It was formerly owned by Hawkins & Powers and was flown to Africa to film the opening sequences of the 2004 remake of the film Flight of the Phoenix. Three other ex USMC C-119Fs were used in various wreck scenes.