Why is the C-46 hard to fly?

The C-46: A Challenging Aircraft to Fly

The Curtiss C-46 Commando was a twin-engine transport aircraft used extensively during World War II and the Korean War. Despite its ruggedness and versatility, the C-46 was notorious for its difficult handling characteristics, particularly during takeoff.

Aerodynamic Blockage

One of the primary reasons for the C-46’s challenging flight behavior was its broad fuselage. The fuselage’s wide profile created a significant disturbance in the airflow, which affected the effectiveness of the tail surfaces.

During takeoff, the airflow over the fuselage disrupted the smooth flow of air to the vertical stabilizers and rudders. This aerodynamic blockage reduced the rudders’ ability to provide adequate control over the aircraft’s yaw axis.

Limited Rudder Authority

The reduced effectiveness of the rudders meant that pilots had to apply excessive force to maintain directional control. This resulted in higher control forces and a tendency for the aircraft to “sway” or “hunt” during takeoff.

To compensate for the limited rudder authority, pilots often employed a technique called “crabbed takeoffs.” By intentionally aligning the aircraft slightly sideways to the runway, they could use the side-slip effect to generate additional rudder effectiveness.

Crosswind Sensitivity

The C-46 was also highly sensitive to crosswinds. The combination of the broad fuselage and the reduced rudder authority made it difficult to maintain a straight path during takeoff in strong crosswinds.

Pilots had to carefully calculate the angle of drift and make adjustments to the aircraft’s heading accordingly. In extreme crosswind conditions, takeoffs were often postponed or aborted due to the risk of a weathercock or ground loop.

Conclusion

The C-46 Commando was a challenging aircraft to fly, particularly during takeoff. Its broad fuselage created an aerodynamic blockage that limited the effectiveness of the tail surfaces and required significant pilot skill to handle safely. The aircraft’s limited rudder authority and crosswind sensitivity further contributed to its reputation as a demanding aircraft to operate.