Logair-the route network that made it all happen for USAF

[tomh]

No story of SAC in the 1960s and 1970s would be complete without a chapter devoted to Logair. The attached photo is how I remember the Logair operation best: In the hands of Riddle airlines, flying a new, and for its day, sophisticated freighter in support of the SAC bases in the northeast USA and elsewhere. The A.W. 650 Argosy had a pressurised, air conditioned cargo hold 47' long and 10' wide, and large, hinged doors on both ends of the fuselage. The RAF flew 54 of these as military transports, but only 17 were sold to civilian operators. Riddle became the first operator, taking delivery of the first 7 Series 100 machines in December, 1960. Only 10 other Argosy's were sold directly to civilian operators.

The contracts for the Logair service went to other airlines also, including Capitol, Universal and Overseas National airlines. By the 1970s these operators were holding down the Logair routes with freight conversions of the Lockheed L.188 Electra.

This image, taken on 19 May 1962, comes from a scratchy old negative. What's in this photo? On the left we see the fork lift and a pallet with cargo, probably just unloaded. I think most of the loads consisted of inbound traffic from the various USAF depots. To the rear we have two C-124 Globemasters, and the large insignia on the one on the left tells me it is likely from one of the AFLC Logistics Support Squadrons (LSS). On the right, a fuel truck supplying JP-4 for the Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop engines of the Argosy.

Hopefull someone is documenting the story of Logair. A far-flung route network, flown, I believe, on a 24/7 basis irregardless of weather. There is a story there somewhere.

[Key]

Great post, Tom. This is not just showing a photo, this is documenting a part of history. Thank you very much for sharing.

Erik

[Javindo50]

This image, taken on 19 May 1962, comes from a scratchy old negative.

It came out very well Tom, good job & nice story!

[andel]

Some interesting story whit an interesting picture.