DC-6B Civil Air Transport

Original Acrylic and Airbrush Painting

Signed: James Moody

20" x 30"

The DC-6B, manufactured by Douglas Aircraft Company, was a popular commercial airliner in the mid-20th century. Civil Air Transport (CAT), a subsidiary of the CIA, used modified DC-6Bs for various covert operations during the Cold War era. These missions included supporting intelligence gathering, air transportation, and providing logistical support in conflict areas.

CAT operated a fleet of DC-6Bs that were equipped with specialized modifications, such as strengthened floors to accommodate heavier cargo and additional fuel tanks for extended range. The aircraft played a significant role in several covert operations, particularly in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.

The involvement of CAT and its DC-6Bs in covert activities contributed to the airline's eventual transformation into Air America, a well-known airline that provided air support to clandestine operations. The DC-6B remains an iconic aircraft of its time, representing an era of both commercial aviation and covert operations.