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Douglas C-124 Globemaster II

Douglas Aircraft Company · Strategic Heavy Airlift · USA · Early Jet (1946–1969)

The Douglas C-124 Globemaster II (nicknamed "Old Shaky") was an American four-engine heavy-lift transport — USAF's principal heavy-airlift aircraft of the 1950s-1960s. Douglas designed the C-124 in 1947-1950 as an enlarged C-74 Globemaster I; first flight 27 November 1949. About 448 C-124s were built between 1950 and 1955 at Douglas Long Beach + Tulsa. The aircraft served USAF Military Air Transport Service 1950-1974 + ANG units through 1979.

The C-124C used 4 × Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major 28-cylinder radial engines (3,800 hp each). Maximum speed 480 km/h, range 7,250 km, service ceiling 6,500 m. Cargo capacity: 33,500 kg / 200 troops / 127 stretcher patients. The aircraft used a distinctive clamshell nose-door + double-deck cargo bay — allowing direct vehicle drive-on loading + outsize-cargo accommodation. The C-124 was the largest American operational transport aircraft of the 1950s.

C-124 service was the backbone of USAF long-range airlift 1950-1974. Combat use included Korean War airlift 1950-1953 + Vietnam War airlift 1965-1973. Famous airlift operations: Operation Mercury (1959 Polar resupply), Berlin Airlift expansion, repeated Antarctic + Greenland resupply, and Vietnam-era heavy cargo support. The C-124 was retired in 1974 in favour of the C-141 Starlifter + C-5 Galaxy; the type's robust airframe + outsize-cargo capability made it valuable through its long service life. About 5 C-124s survive in 2026 at U.S. aviation museums.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Douglas C-124 Globemaster II was a huge American cargo plane. Pilots and crews called it "Old Shaky" because of how it vibrated in flight. It was the biggest American transport plane of the 1950s.

The plane had four giant engines, each with 28 cylinders. It could carry over 33,000 kilograms of cargo. That is heavier than five full-grown elephants! It could also carry 200 soldiers or 127 patients on stretchers.

One of its coolest features was a clamshell nose. The front of the plane split open like a clamshell. Trucks and vehicles could drive straight inside. The cargo bay had two decks, so it could hold a huge amount of gear.

The Air Force used the C-124 from 1950 all the way to 1974. It flew supplies during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. It also delivered supplies to cold, faraway places like Antarctica and Greenland.

About 448 of these planes were built between 1950 and 1955. They were made at factories in Long Beach and Tulsa. Old Shaky was a workhorse that kept American forces supplied all around the world.

Fun Facts

The C-124 was nicknamed "Old Shaky" because it vibrated so much during flight.
Its nose split open like a clamshell so trucks could drive right inside.
The cargo bay had two full decks — almost like a double-decker bus inside a plane!
The C-124 was heavier than five full-grown elephants when fully loaded.
Each of its four engines had 28 cylinders and made 3,800 horsepower.
It could fly over 7,000 kilometers without stopping — that is nearly the width of North America.
About 448 of these giant planes were built in just five years.
Old Shaky delivered supplies to scientists working in freezing Antarctica.

Kids’ Questions

Why was it called "Old Shaky"?

The plane vibrated a lot when it flew, which gave it the nickname "Old Shaky." The crews who flew it used that name with a mix of humor and pride. It shook, but it always got the job done!

How did cargo get loaded into the C-124?

The front of the plane had a clamshell nose that opened up wide. Trucks and large vehicles could drive straight in through the front. This made loading heavy and bulky cargo much easier.

Where did the C-124 fly its missions?

The C-124 flew all over the world. It carried supplies during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. It also flew to very cold places like Antarctica and Greenland to deliver supplies to people working there.

How long did the C-124 serve in the Air Force?

The C-124 served the American Air Force from 1950 to 1974. Some planes kept flying with Air National Guard units until 1979. That means Old Shaky was in service for nearly 30 years!

Variants

C-124A / C (basic): Standard production. 448 built.

Notable Operators

USAF Military Air Transport Service (1950-1974): Sole operator. Worldwide heavy-airlift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was it called Old Shaky?

The C-124's enormous Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major engines (28-cylinder, 4-row radials — the most-complex piston engines ever built) caused pronounced airframe vibration in flight + on the ground. Crew + passengers experienced a constant low-frequency shake that the aircraft's flight engineer could not fully damp. The "Old Shaky" nickname was affectionate; the aircraft was nonetheless valued for reliability + outsize-cargo capability + long range that no other USAF transport could match in the 1950s.

Sources

Wikipedia — Douglas C-124 Globemaster II