There have been several references to the "airborne" model CCKW. The theory and practice of equipment movement by air was developed thru trial and error during the early part of WWII especially in the CBI theater.
Before the Army learned to modify equipment for disassembly and loading, the equipment including trucks, dozers, road graders, rock drills and whatever were dismantaled, and the big pieces cut with the torch and reassembled later.
A young fellow in our office brought me some intersting photos recently. They were taken by his late grandfather. He did not know where or what the pictures were and so he gave them to me. There are quite a few that show the airborne CCKW process before the "airborne" model was devised. Here are a couple of views to peak your interest. Note the interesting "field expedient" crane boom.
Just thing about the amount of grunt labor involved!
Cat Man
Before the Airborne CCKW
- Cat Man
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- Location: Green Bay WI
Before the Airborne CCKW
40 Years An Engine Guy
30 Years A Caterpillar Guy
Still Learning Every Day
30 Years A Caterpillar Guy
Still Learning Every Day
before the Airborne CCKW
Man that really show's how narrow the inside of a C47-a really was !! Just a few inches clearance between the front axle hubs and the sides of the aircraft Given the need to get things moved to the area where they were needed , good ole American know how got the job done with what they had . Fantastic Photo's of how it was ,no Hollywood glory just dirty hard work .Thanks for sharing .