The Greatest Generation Aircraft team is setting out on a mission to bring our Southern Cross Douglas C-49J aircraft to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 26’. Our goal is to share our extraordinary aircraft and her history with aviation fans from around the world.

With increased operational costs for WWII era aircraft, we are seeking help to fund our nonprofit and keep our vintage warbird in airworthy condition and accessible to all generations. The journey from Fort Worth, TX to Oshkosh, WI requires a large amount of fuel and oil which is what we need your help with!

About the Aircraft:

Our “Southern Cross” is a very rare aircraft, and no ordinary DC-3. There were only 138 aircraft that received the C-49 designation. All these aircraft were already on the assembly line to be delivered to airlines, but when the US got engaged in WWII, the Army Air Forces commissioned all aircraft that were already built for the airlines to become military transports. Since the airframe was already built to DC-3 standards for the airlines, the main differences include no cargo door, no cargo floor, no glider tow, and most importantly a different power plant. All C-49 aircraft were powered by Wright Cyclone 1820 radial engines vs the C-47 which were all powered by the Pratt & Whitney 1830’s. Today, only two C-49 airframes are in airworthy condition. Our airframe is the only "J" left in airworthy condition. The letters signify which airline the airframes were supposed to be delivered to, J stood for American Airlines.

Southern Cross flew with the Air Transport Command as a training aircraft and troop/ personnel transport aircraft. She was sold to Chicago & Southern Airlines in 1944 and was sent off to the Douglas reconversion plant in Santa Monica. After C&S merged with Delta, Southern Cross was sold off to civilian ownership and had numerous different owners.

About our Nonprofit:

Pacific Prowler Non-Profit dba Greatest Generation Aircraft is a 501C3 nonprofit organization which was chartered to preserve America’s flying heritage from the beginning of World War II through the Vietnam war. Our mission is to safeguard this part of our aviation heritage to honor the men and women that served in that era. This is accomplished by keeping a piece of their history alive for future generations to see and appreciate the service and sacrifice of our forefathers and honor them as the hero’s they are.

We thank you for taking time to read our story, and for your support!