Douglas VC-118

Item#: MPDC118

MSRP Price: $299.95

Factory Direct Price: $199.95

This Douglas VC-118 desktop model airplane comes with a detachable stand an inscription plaque and a logo that added beauty to this masterpiece.

Douglas VC-118 History :

In 1947 the U.S. Government recognized it was time to replace the aging Presidential Aircraft, the aging Douglas VC-54C Skymaster known as the Sacred Cow. The Douglas DC-6 was the aircraft chosen as the replacement. The 29th Production Aircraft from the Douglas Production Line was dedicated as the aircraft to use and was designated as the VC-118. Modification were made the cabin to include a stateroom at the rear of the fuselage and seating for 24 passengers were incorporated. The aircraft also had 12 sleeper berths. The aircraft was commissioned into the AAF on July 4th, 1947 and called the Independence for President Harry Truman after his hometown in Missouri. In October 1950 the aircraft with the President and Gen. Douglas Mac Arthur aboard flew to Wake Island to discuss the Korean situation.

Starting in 1951 the USAF procured 165 aircraft designated the C118A Liftmaster. The fuselage was six feet longer than the Independence to carry more passengers. This aircraft played a key role during “Operation Safe Haven” when 14,000 Hungarian refugees were flown to the United States between 1956-1957.

After nearly six years of White House service the Independence was retired from Presidential service and went on to serve several Air Force operations and was also used as a VIP Military aircraft. The aircraft is now residing in a museum after being restored in 1978 back to the former presidential markings.