Dehavilland C-7A

The C-7A was a twin-engine, short takeoff and landing (STOL) utility transport build by DeHavilland Aircraft of Canada, Ltd. It was used primarily for tactical airlift missions in forward battle areas with short, unimproved airstrips. It could carry 26 fully equipped paratroops or up to 20 litter patients. As a cargo aircraft the Caribou could haul more than three tons of equipment.

The Caribou made its first flight in 1958. In 1959 the U.S. Army flew several prototypes for evaluation and in 1961, the first of 22 out of a total of 159 production versions were delivered to the Army. Originally designated AC-1, the aircraft was designated CV-2 in 1962 and retained that designation for the reminder of its Army career. In January 1967, when responsibility for all fixed-wing tactical transports was transferred to the U.S. Air Force, the Caribou received the designation C-7. During the Southeast Asian conflict, the Caribou's STOL capability made it particularly suitable for delivering troops, supplies, and equipment to isolated outposts.

Warner Robins Air Logistics Center assumed management responsibility for the entire fleet of C-7s from the Army in 1967 and supported the aircraft until its retirement. The C-7A on display is a Southeast Asia combat veteran and served with the 483rd Tactical Airlift Wing at Phu Cat Air Base, which later moved to Cam Ranh Bay AB, Vietnam from January 1968 to December 1971. The aircraft later served with the 908th Tactical Airlift Group, Air Force Reserve at Maxwell AFB, AL. It was flown to the Museum in December 1985.