The C-82 was an unusual twin boomed transport aircraft, with a wide rear loading door and high tail assembly, allowing large items to be loaded, such as construction equipment to build extra runways, fire trucks and ambulances. Although it was slow and relatively unsophisticated, its rear access design was echoed (albeit without the twin boom tail) in future transport aircraft designs. The name ‘Packet’ comes from the 18th century Packet Ships that delivered mail, passengers and freight between Great Britain and her colonies. The aircraft shown is Fairchild C-82A-FA Packet 45-57740 (tail number 557740) ‘CQ-740’. It was operated by various units from September 1948 to September 1949 at Wiesbaden AB and then at Rhein-Main AB until October 1949. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)