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Klaas Willem Jonker
(Wilko)
† April 30, 2018

On Monday 30 April 2018, Wilko Jonker died after a long illness at the age of 58. He leaves behind a wife and two children. The Dutch military aviation and plastic modeling were his hobby and on this website he shared all the knowledge he has collected over the years. His hobby has been able to distract him from the persistent disease in his body until the last week of his life. The contacts with other hobbyists were a major support for him.

This website will be maintained by different people for as long as possible, so that other enthusiasts can continue to benefit from extensive content.

Beechcraft Model 18

Published: Tuesday, 09 November 2010 09:38 | Print | | Hits: 16788

History

The Beechcraft Model 18 was developed in the late thirties. It showed some resemblance with the Lockheed 10 Electra because of is size and twin tail.
The prototype first flew in January 1937.
The first aircraft had two Jacobs L-6 radial engines of 330 hp or two Wright R-760E of 350 hp each.
Later versions were fitted with the more powerful Pratt & Whitney R-985 to 450 hp.
As a test a Beech 18 was equipped with the Pratt & Whitney R-1340 600-horsepower, but the construction of the device proofed not toe be suitable for this engine.

Later, in 1955, an enlarged version of the Beech D18S, called Super 18 was developed. The fuselage was 150 mm higher, allowing more headroom for passengers.
The last version was Model H18, released in 1963, which was equipped with an optional three-piece landing gear.
In 1970 the last Beech Model 18 was produced.
Eventually over 8000 examples were built in more than thirty versions.

The production was well running when Beech received an order for a trainer for bombers, multi-engine pilots and navigators.
The U.S. Army ordered the AT-7 and the U.S. Navy ordered the SNB.
Later developments were the AT-11 and SNB-2 and C-45 transport.
The USAF used the Beechcraft Model 18 in a number of variants till after the second World War, including the AT-11, C-45, F-2 (photo reconnaissance) and the UC-45. In the first half of the fifties, many of these aircraft were fully converted to Beech D18S standard and provided with a variety of post-war improvements. They received brand new serial numbers and registrations.
In 1963 the aircraft went out of service.
The U.S. Navy also upgraded their Beech SNB to SNB-5 ans SNB-5P standard. These aircraft remained in use until 1972.
The U.S. Army Beech D18 remained in use until 1976.

After the war, various modifications were developed by third parties over the years. Many were adopted by the factory and applied, as in the case of the D-18G and H models.

Versions.

Model 18A:
the base model, with room for two pilots and seven to eight passengers. Featuring the Wright R7360E radial engine of 350 hp.
  • Model S18A: a ski / float version.
  • Model A18A: Motor Equipment: Two Wright R-760 radial engines of 350 hp.
  • Model SA18A: a ski / float version.
Model 18B:
an improved version with greater range and load capacity. Equipped with two Jacobs L.5 engines rated 285 hp.
  • Model S18B: a ski / float version.
Model 18D:
Version with two pilots and nine passengers. Two Jacobs L-6 engines of 330 hp.
  • Model S18D: a ski / float version.
  • Model A18D: More payload with two Jacobs L-6 engines of 330 horsepower.
  • Model SA18D: a ski / float version.
Model 18R:
Fitted with Wright R-975 engines of 420 hp, seven built, one for Sweden and six in nationalist China as a light bomber.
Model 18S:
Pre-war version for nine passengers.
  • C-45C: Two Model 18S for USAAF. New designation UC-45C in January 1943.
Model B18S:
Pre-war version for nine passengers.
  • F-2: Photo recce version of B18.
  • F-2A: Improved F-2
    • RC-45A: New USAF designation of F-2, F-2A-2B and F in 1948.
Model C18S:
Eight passengers, further changes in structure and equipment.
  • C-45: Six-person VIP version for USAAF based on the C-18S.
  • C-45A: Eight seat transport variant of C-18S.
  • C-45B: As C-18S but with some internal modifications. New designation UC-45B in 1943.
    • Expeditor I: RAF-version .(Lend Lease).
    • JRB-3: Photo recce version for US Navy based on C-45B.
  • C-45D: Two (on the production line) for passengers converted AT-7s. New designation UC-45D in January 1934.
  • C-45E: Two (on production line) converted AT-7s and four AT-7Bs. New designation UC-45E January in 1943.
  • C-45F: Standardized seven-seat version based on C18S, with a longer nose than previous versions. Later known as UC-45F. More than 110 examples built.
    • CQ-3: Drone version of UC-45F, later known as DC-45F.
    • Expeditor II: C-45Fs for RAF and Royal Navy (Lend Lease).
    • Expeditor III: C-45Fs for RCAF ((Lend Lease)
    • JRB-4: Transport version U.S. Navy, equivalent to UC-45F.
  • JRB-1: Photo reconnaissance version of the U.S. Navy, based on the C18S with a fairing in the cockpit for better visibility.
  • JRB-2: Light transport version of C18S for the U.S. Navy.
  • AT-7:  Navigation trainer based on C18S, with an astrodome and three positions for students. Powered by 450 hp (336 kW) R-985-25 engines. 577 built.
    • AT-7A:Float version.
    • AT-7B: Arctic version of AT-7.
    • AT-7C: Version to the C18S equipped with two Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN3 engines.
      • SNB-2: navigation trainer, similar to AT-7.
      • SNB-2C: version for US Navy, similar to AT-7C.
        • SNB-5: Re-built, modernized SNB-2s / SNB-2Cs for the U.S. Navy.
          • TC-45J: After 1962: new designation of all remaining SNB-5s van US Navy.
        • SNB-5P: Trainer for U.S. Navy Photo Reconnaissance.
          • RC-45J: After 1962: new designation of all remaining SNB-5Ps van US Navy.
      • SNB-2H: Ambulance version for US Navy.
      • SNB-2P: photo reconnaissance trainer for US Navy.
      • SNB-3: US Navy variant, similar to AT-7C.
      • SNB-3Q: ECM trainer for US Navy.
    • AT-11 Kansan: Trainer for air gunners and bombers derived from the AT-7. The hull had small round windows in the cabin, a bomb target compartment in the nose, a bomb bay and two machine guns, one in the nose and one in a turret.
      • AT-11A: Conversion of AT-11 as a navigational trainer.
      • SNB-1: Version of the AT-11 for US Navy
Model D18S:
First post-war version for eight passengers.
  • 3N / 3NM en 3TM:Versions of D18S for Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
  • C-45G: During the early fifties 370 completely overhauled USAF AT-7s and AT-11s. Standardized to the civil D18S with automatic pilot and Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-3 engines.
  • TC-45G: Multi engine trainer version of the C-45G.
  • C-45H: During the early fifties completely overhauled USAF AT-7s and AT-11s. Standardized to the civil D18S, but without automatic pilot and equipped with R-985-AN-14B engines.
Model D18C:
Version with two Continental R9-A engines rated 525 hp.
Model E18S:
version with new designed wing.
  • Model E18S-9700: Version with more payload (9700 lbs = 4400 kg.).
Model G18S:
successor of the E18S.
  • Model G18S-9150: Lighter version of G18S.
Model H18:
Latest production version with three-legged base developed by Volpar.

 

Technical Information: Beechcraft D-18S
Dimensions:
Length: 10,7 m Wing span 15,14 m
Height: 2,87 m Wing area: - m2
Weights:
Empty weight 2650 kg Max. start weight: 4490 kg
Performance:
Max. speed: 354 km/hr Cruising speed: 298 km/hr
Range: 2460 km Ceiling: 7100 m
Miscellaneous:
Engine type: Two Pratt & Whitney R-985 B-4 rated 450 hp each
also: 2 x Pratt & Whitney R-985AN-14B Wasp Junior
Crew: Two men
Armament: .

 

Technical Information: Beechcraft SNB-5 (TC45J)
Dimension:
Length: 10,97 m Wing span 15,14 m
Height: 2,85 m Wing area: 33,51 m2
Weights:
Empty weight 2575 kg Max. start weight: 4490 kg
Performance:
Max. speed: 370 km/hr Cruising speed: 338 km/hr
Range: 1852 km Ceiling: 7101 m
Miscellaneous:
Engine type: Two Pratt & Whitney R-985 AN-3 rated 450 hp each
Crew: Two men
Armament: .

 

Technical Information: Beechcraft T-7 Navigator
Dimension:
Length: 10,4 m Wing span 14,4 m
Height: 2,85 m Wing area: 32,4 m2
Weights:
Empty weight 2620 kg Max. start weight: 3980 kg
Performance:
Max. speed: 370 km/hr Cruising speed: 338 km/hr
Range: 1852 km Ceiling: 7101 m
Miscellaneous:
Engine type: Two Pratt & Whitney R-985 AN-1 rated 450 hp each
Crew: Two men
Armament: none.

 


In service with RNlAF; RNlNAS and RAF.

In service with the RNlAF.

The first examples were received in 1950 from U.S. surplus stocks. The Beech 18s were used for multi engine training and were assigned to the AVOT (Aanvullende VliegOpleiding Tweemotorigen) [Additional twin-engine flight training].
Later they were also stationed at the TransVA (Transport VliegAfdeling [Transport Section] and its successor, 334 squadron.

The last Beechcrafts were withdrawn from use in 1959.

Both the Beechcraft in the Military Aviation Museum as the one of the SKHV are of a slightly different version than the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The museum Beech originates from the RijksLuchtvaartSchool (RLS), whereas the Beech of SKHV is originally a Canadian example.

Beechcraft T-7 Navigator van de KLu. Zijaanzicht rechts.
Beechcraft T-7 Navigator of the RNlAF.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Achter aanzicht van een Beechcraft T-7 Navigator van de KLu.
Beechcraft T-7 Navigator of the RNlAF.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Linker zijaanzicht van een Beechcraft T-7 Navigator van de KLu.
Beechcraft T-7 Navigator of the RNlAF.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

 

In service with RNlNAS.

Naval Air received its first Beechcraft SNBs in 1953. Later the designation changed to TC-45j.

These were used for the training of observers and telegraphers. They were also used as communication aircraft. They were stationed at VSQ 5 on naval air station Valkenburg.

Beechcraft 21-43 lesvliegtuig voor luchtnavigatie
Beechcraft SNB, serial 21-43 navigation trainer.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Beechcraft-navigator TC-45J van VSQ 5 nr. 21-41, trainer voor voortgezette vliegopleiding, gecrashed tijdens nachtvliegen op MVK Valkenburg
Above and below: Beechcraft TC-45J Navigator, 21-41 of VSQ 5, crashed at naval air station Valkenburg during a night flight.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Beechcraft-navigator TC-45J van VSQ 5 nr. 21-41, trainer voor voortgezette vliegopleiding, gecrashed tijdens nachtvliegen op MVK Valkenburg
Beechcraft-navigator TC-45J of squadron 5 nr.,serial 21-41, advanced ulti engine trainer crashed at airbase Valkenburg.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Beechcraft-navigator TC-45J van VSQ 5 nr. 080, trainer voor voortgezette vliegopleiding, gecrashed in Duitsland te Dever op 27 april 1967. Vlieger ltz1 R. van Vlijmen
Beechcraft TC-45J Navigator 080, of 080, crashed near Never, Germany On April 27,1967. The aviator was ltz1 R. van Vlijmen
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Beech SNB-5 (082) (1953-1974) lesvliegtuig voor luchtnavigatie
Beech SNB-5, serial 082 [at Beeldbank NIMH}
Beech SNB-5 (081) lesvliegtuig voor luchtnavigatie
Beech SNB-5, 081, navigation trainer.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Beech SNB-5 (085) (1953-1974) lesvliegtuig voor luchtnavigatie. De cockpit
Cockpit view of a Beech SNB-5, 085
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

 

In service with the RAF.

 

Information about Dutch aircraft.

 


Serial overview RNlAF; RNlNAS and RAF.

Beechcraft SNB-5 (TC-45J) Navigator in service with RNlNAS.

The aircraft were delivered via MDAP (Mutual Defense Assistance Progam) and were in service with no. 5 Squadron.
On 16-10-1975 the aircraft were sold by MAAG to Texas Turbo-jet, Dallas, Texas.
Serial2nd SerialUS Fisc. year nr.Construction nr.Date in serviceDate out of serviceNotes
U-41 080 134692   19-08-1953 27-04-1967 Delivered via MDAP.
Scrapped after accident
U-42 081 134693 MD-22 20-08-1953 28-08-1974 Delivered via MDAP.
Returned to MAAG
U-43 082 134694 MD-23 20-08-1953 05-02-1973 Delivered via MDAP.
Returned to MAAG
U-44 083 134695 MD-24 19-08-1953 28-02-1974 Delivered via MDAP.
Returned to MAAG
U-45 084 134696 MD-25 19-08-1953 11-02-1974 Delivered via MDAP.
Returned to MAAG
U-46 085 134697 MD-26 19-08-1953 25-02-1974 Delivered via MDAP.
Retour MAAG

 

Beechcraft T-7 Navigator in service with RNlAF.

Serial
Serial
Fiscal Year nr.
Fiscal Year nr.
Construction nr.
Construction nr.
Date in service
Date in service
Date out of service
Date out of service
Notes
Notes
G-1           To USAF as 43-33267
G-2           To USAF as 43-33300
G-3           To USAF as 43-33361
G-4           To USAF as 43-33325
G-5           To USAF as 43-33280
G-6           To USAF as 43-33291
G-7           Scrapped?
G-8           To USAF as 43-33294
G-9           To USAF as 43-33278
G-10           To USAF as 43-33269
G-11           To USAF as 43-33270
G-12           To USAF as 43-33266
G-13           To USAF as 43-33295
G-14           To USAF as 43-33307
G-15           To USAF as 43-33312
G-16           To USAF as 43-33271
G-17           To USAF as 43-33308
G-18           To USAF as 43-33309
G-19           To USAF as 43-33289
G-20           To USAF as 43-33371
G-21           To USAF as 43-33327
G-22           To USAF as 43-33356
G-23           To USAF as 43-33350
G-24           To USAF as 43-33337
G-25           To USAF as 43-33368
G-26           To USAF as 43-33365
G-27           To USAF as 43-33268
G-28           To USAF as 43-33321

 

Beechcraft D-18S Navigator Dutch Communications Flight, Royal Air Force.

SerialConstruction nr.Date in serviceDate out of serviceNotes
NL501 A. 101      
NL505 A. 105      
NL507 A. 170      

 


1/72nd Scale

Kits

  • Hobbycraft
    • Kit HC1389: Beech CH-45H
    • Kit HC1355: Beech C-45F WWII transport
      Also released by Kitech, kitnr. 08M-3302h
  • Pioneer
    • Kit 4003: Beech C-45 Expeditor
  • PM Model
    • Kit PM304: Same kit as Pioneer
  • Rareplane
    • Kit Rare0007: Beech C-45 Expeditor vacu formed kit.
Beechcraft SNB 5 Navigator AKleijn
A model of a Beechcraft SNB-5 Navigator, built by Adri Kleijn.

 

Beechcraft T 7 Navigator AKleijn
A model of a Beechcraft T-7 Navigator, built by Adri Kleijn.

 

Modelling add-on

  • Aeroclub
    • Kit E065: C45 Expeditor Engine nacelles
    • Kit E012: 9 cyl. Pratt & Whitney Wasp Jr (Beech 17, 18, C45)
    • Kit P007: Hamilton Standard 2bld 8.6` Prop (Beech 17,18,C45)

Decals

  • Dutch Decal
    • Set 72009: Set for aircraft such as Neptune P2V5 and P2V7/SH2H and also for Beech TC45J 045
    • Set 72021: Re-release of set 72009 plus some additions.
  • FlevoDecal
    • Set FD72-013: Royal Netherlands Navy Pt. II (Grumman TBM-3E Avenger, Harvard, Catalina, Oxford, Beech TC-45J, Fokker S-11)
    • Set FD72-022: A set for KLu historische Vlucht with e.g. Beech T.7

1/48th Scale

Kits

    • Battle Axe
      • Kit XX: Model van Beechcraft 18/UC45/T7
        Ook uitgegeven door Mach2
    • ICM
      • Kit 48181: Beech C45F / UC45F Expeditor

Modeling add-on

      • Belcher Bits
        • Set 39: Beechcraft 18 mods: conversie van ICM kit naar late na-oorlogse versie.
      • Eduard
        • Set FE722 / 49-722: Detailset Beech C45F Interior Self Adhesive
        • Set 48-848: 9 cyl. Pratt & Whitney Wasp Jr (Beech 17, 18, C45)

Decals

  • --
    • Set --: --

 


SchemeColour nameFS numberBS numberHumbrolXtraColorVallejo Model ColorVallejo Model Air
Beech D-18S RAF
RAF Standard #1Upper surfaces Dark Green   BS:641 163 X001    
Dark Earth   BS: 450 29 X002    
Undersides Yellow ~3538   154 X106    
Beech T-7 KLu and TC-45J MLD
Standard #1Overall Aluminium Dope ~7178   191 X216    
Day glo panels              

 

Afleverschema Hawker Seafury MLD
Colour scheme of the Beechcraft T-7 Navigator of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
Beechcraft-SNB5_TC45J_Navigator-1-SMALL
Delivery  scheme of the Beechcraft SNB5/TC45J Navigator of the RNlNAS.
Tweede kleurenschema Beechcraft C45J Navigator van de Marine Luchtvaartdienst
Second colour scheme of the Beechcraft TC45J Navigator van de Royal Netherlands naval Air Service.

 


Literature.

AVIA; 33e jaargang nummer 5: Beechcraft TC-45J van de MLD   pag. 119 1974 Uitgevers Wyt, Rotterdam
AVIA; 34e jaargang nummer 3: Vierenzeventig in vogelvlucht   Pag. 73 1975 Uitgevers Wyt, Rotterdam
Zestig jaar Marineluchtvaartdienst in Beeld. Hugo Hooftman Pag. 116 - 117 1977 Uitgever Europese Bibliotheek, Zaltbommel
Nederlandse Militaire Luchtvaart in Beeld, deel 2 Hugo Hooftman Pag. 58 - 60 1978 Uitgever Europese Bibliotheek, Zaltbommel
Nederlandse Marinevliegtuigen Thijs Postma & Nico Geldhof Pag. 65 1978 Omniboek, 's Gravenhage
70 Jaar Marine-LuchtvaartDienst Nico Geldhof pag. 106 1987 Uitgever Uitgeverij Eisma b.v., Leeuwarden
KLu Vliegtuigen: De vliegtuigen van de Koninklijke Luchtmacht vanaf 1913 Wim Schoenmaker & Thijs Postma pag. 97 1987 Uitgeverij De Alk, Alkmaar
Modelbouw in Plastic jaargang 20, nummer 4: Beech TC-45J Navigator van de MLD Luc Boerman pag. 96 - 98 1990 Uitgever I.P.M.S. Nederland, Nederland
Camouflage en Kentekens J.Greuter e.a.   1997 Bonneville – Bergen (NH)
85 JAAR Marineluchtvaartdienst in beeld: Van Farman tot NH 90 Helikopter Peter Korbee pag. 110 - 111 2002 Uitgever Korbee MLD Promotie, Valkenburg
Koninklijke Luchtmacht: Vliegtuig- en registratieoverzicht 1945 - 2005 Coen van de Heuvel Pag. 31 2004 Uitgever Flash Aviation, Eindhoven

 

Websites.