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During World War II the transport aircraft played an essential role for the U.S. Air Force. Large volumes and the sheer variety of tasks required of transport aircraft, entailed the presence of many different types of planes in the Air Force fleet. One of these aircraft was the C-82 Packet, designed by the Fairchild firm in 1942. Its configuration was decidedly unconventional - the wings joined to the central part of a fuselage which was essentially a transport compartment, and the engines continued back into two long booms, which supported the tailplane. This layout allowed vehicles to back right up to the folding rear hatch of the plane, considerably facilitating loading and unloading.
In 1947 Fairchild decided to improve this well regarded design. More powerful Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major engines were installed, and the fuselage nose was also significantly redesigned. The new airplane was designated the C-119 Flying Boxcar and was soon taken on by the Air Force. Production machines had a slightly bigger fuselage and an enhanced design which permitted air drops not only of parachutists, but also of equipment.
During its career, the aircraft's design was constantly modified, achieving continual gains in its flight performance.
These airplanes were very well proven during wars in Korea and in Vietnam. The type was operated not only by the U.S. Air Force, but also by the air forces of France, India and some other countries.
With the advent of the C-130 Hercules, which was undoubtedly a milestone in the history of transport aircraft, all other machines, including the C-119 began to be relegated from the first line. However, despite being outdated, many machines were stored at Davis Montana Airbase, where they remained for several more decades.