Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

UC-45 "Expeditor"

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

1. UC-45 "Expeditor" Marker

Inscription. In 1940 the Beech Aircraft Corporation began building variations of the commercial transports, B-18s (C-45) for the Army Air Force. Continued productions in 1941, resulting in interior modifications, brought about the C-45A and C-45B. The standard version was the "F" Model. However, all models were amended to the "L1C" category in January 1943. At this same time, the C-45 acquired the popular name "Expeditor." AT-7s (Model 18s) were equipped for electronic communications and given the nomenclature UC-45C and D. The AT-7B's were amended to UC-45E's. Most of the AT-7 versions of the C-45 were equipped for navigation training; some others for float planes. An AT-11 version of Model 18s was developed from the AT-7 bomber for gunnery. A few AT-11s were modified for navigation training. The FMAL variants of Beech Model 18s were photographic aircraft (F-2 and F-2A) and the "Director" aircraft used for radio-controlled targets (CQ-3). When Air Force aircraft were redesignated in 1948, the AT-7, AT-7C, and AT-11 became T-7, T-7C, and T-11, respectively; F2A's and F2B's became RC-45A's; CQ-3s became DC-45F's. The suffix "J" added

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to the nomenclature of this aircraft (UC-45J) indicated special features: extended avionics nose and aerodynamic changes to the exhaust system. During the early 1950s, Beech completely rebuilt 900 C-45s for the Air Force. They received new serial numbers and were designated C-45G's and C-45H's, remaining in service until 1963 for administrative and light cargo duties. This aircraft represents the "H" model used by the Air Force in 1954. It was acquired from the U.S. Army, New Cumberland Depot, Pennsylvania, April 14, 1972.

This aerospace vehicle (UC-45) is a part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Erected by USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, World II. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1943.

Location. 29° 23.602′ N, 98° 37.131′ W. Marker is in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Bexar County. It is on Bong Avenue south of Luke Blvd. The marker is located at the USAF Airman Heritage Museum’s Air Park which is around the parade grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jbsa Lackland TX 78236, United States

UC-45 "Expeditor" and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

2. UC-45 "Expeditor" and Marker

of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas

and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sergeant 1st Class Walter H. Beech (here, next to this marker); HH-43 Helicopter Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Technical Sgt. Fred L. Clarke • Staff Sgt. Salluel F. Walker Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); F-82E "Twin Mustang" (within shouting distance of this marker); C-123K "Provider" (within shouting distance of this marker); F-4 "Phantom II" (within shouting distance of this marker); P-47N "Thunderbolt" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chief Master Sgt. William O. Petrie (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lackland Air Force Base.

More about this marker. The

UC-45 "Expeditor" image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

3. UC-45 "Expeditor"

marker, museum and air park are located on the Lackland Air Force Base, an active U.S. military installation which is a part of the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). The USAF Airman Heritage Museum and Air Park are open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access. Visit the museum’s web site for current details on visiting the museum and air park.

Also see . . .
1. Airmen Heritage Training Complex. USAF Airman Heritage Museum (Submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. Beechcraft Model 18. Wikipedia

The Beechcraft Model 18 (or "Twin Beech", as it is also known) is a 6- to 11-seat, twin-engined, low-wing, tailwheel light aircraft manufactured by the Beech Aircraft Corporation of Wichita, Kansas. Continuously produced from 1937 to November 1969 (over 32 years, a world record at the time), over 9,000 were built, making it one of the world's most widely used light aircraft. Sold worldwide as a civilian executive, utility, cargo aircraft, and passenger airliner on tailwheels, nosewheels, skis, or floats, it was also used as a military aircraft.

(Submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Beechcraft AT-11 over the West Texas prairies image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - US Air Force, circa 1944

4. Beechcraft AT-11 over the West Texas prairies

The pilot heads his bombing training plane (Beechcraft AT-11), out over the vast West Texas prairies to its target as the bombardier student and instructor ready the bomb sight in the nose of the plane for the early morning mission.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 165 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.