Beechcraft JRB-6 Expeditor: Discovering Navy History with BuNo 39957

The Beechcraft JRB Expeditor has earned a revered place in aviation history, recognized for its versatility, reliability, and significant contributions to military aviation. At MotoArt, we are proud to honor this legacy by preserving and celebrating an extraordinary example of this aircraft, Bureau Number (BuNo) 39957. Join us as we explore the fascinating history of the Beechcraft JRB Expeditor and discover how this iconic aircraft continues to inspire through our PlaneTags collection.

What is the Beechcraft JRB Expeditor?

Beech D.18S ‘KR-411’ (N197L) flickr photo by HawkeyeUK shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

The Beechcraft JRB Expeditor is a versatile, twin-engine aircraft based on the civilian Beechcraft Model 18. Widely used during World War II and beyond, the JRB series served prominently in the U.S. Navy as a utility transport, training aircraft, and liaison plane. Its robust design and reliability made it essential for transporting personnel, cargo, and equipment, contributing significantly to military operations.

Development of the JRB

The Beechcraft JRB Expeditor was envisioned in the early 1940s as a solution to meet the rapidly growing demand for versatile military aircraft during World War II. Originally derived from the civilian Model 18, the JRB was specifically modified to accommodate various military roles. Notable modifications included strengthened landing gear, enhanced navigation and communication equipment, and increased fuel capacity to extend range. The JRB was introduced to replace older, less efficient aircraft such as single-engine trainers and utility planes, offering improved performance, reliability, and adaptability to various mission profiles.

Floyd Bennett Airfield flickr photo by peterjr1961 shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC) license

Variations of the JRB

The JRB family featured several variants tailored to specific roles and operational requirements:

• JRB-1 and JRB-2: Initial transport and training variants used early in World War II.

• JRB-3 and JRB-4: Featured minor modifications for improved operational efficiency, mainly targeting navigation training.

• JRB-5: Developed with increased power and upgraded avionics to enhance training capabilities.

• JRB-6: Arguably the most significant variant, the JRB-6 emerged from a remanufacturing initiative during the 1950s. Older JRB models underwent extensive modernization, including upgraded engines, avionics, instrumentation, and reinforced structural components. This remanufacturing program significantly extended the service life of the aircraft and improved its operational capabilities.

Beechcraft JRB-6 At A Glance

JRB-6 Specifications: 

• Manufacturer: Beechcraft

• Type: JRB-6 Expeditor

• BuN0 #: 39957

• Crew: 2 (2x Pilots)

• Passengers: 5

• Wingspan: 47 ft 8 in 

• Length: 34 ft 3 in 

• Height: 9 ft 7 in

JRB-6 Performance:

• Range: 1,200 mi

• Cruise Speed: 210 mph

• Ceiling: 20,000 ft

• Empty Weight: 5,680 lb

• Max Takeoff Weight: 7,850 lb

• Rate of Climb: 1,490 ft/min

• Engine: 2x P&W R-985-AN-1 "Wasp Junior" Radials

Military Service

During its extensive service, the JRB Expeditor operated from numerous naval air stations across the United States, including NAS Pensacola, NAS Anacostia, NAS Oceana, NAS Jacksonville, and NAS Corpus Christi, among others. It fulfilled diverse roles, such as personnel and cargo transport, navigation training, liaison duties, aerial photography, and instrument training. Its robust design allowed it to reliably perform these critical tasks across varying mission profiles and environments, solidifying its indispensable status within naval aviation.

Beechcraft C-45H Expeditor flickr photo by Pavel Vanka shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-ND) license

What Military Variants Were Based On The Beechcraft Model 18?

The Beechcraft Model 18 served extensively across various branches of the U.S. military, adapted into multiple specialized roles. Each variant was tailored to meet specific operational requirements during and after World War II.

• JRB Expeditor (U.S. Navy): The Navy utilized the JRB variants as utility transports, trainers, and liaison aircraft. Notably, the JRB-6 emerged in the early 1950s when older JRB aircraft were extensively remanufactured, receiving structural enhancements, upgraded engines, avionics improvements, and instrumentation updates. Approximately 85 JRB-6 aircraft were remanufactured, significantly extending their operational lifespans.

• SNB Kansan (U.S. Navy): The SNB variant served primarily as an advanced trainer for bombardiers and navigators. Variations like the SNB-1 and SNB-2 were specifically equipped with navigation and bombardier training gear, playing a critical role in preparing naval aviators for WWII service.

• C-45 Expeditor (U.S. Army Air Forces/U.S. Air Force): Known widely as the "Expeditor," the C-45 was extensively employed as a utility transport and training aircraft. It accommodated navigation and multi-engine flight training and saw widespread use. Prominent subvariants included the C-45B, C-45F, and the remanufactured post-war C-45H, featuring upgraded avionics and structural modifications.

• AT-7 Navigator (U.S. Army Air Forces): This specialized training variant featured a distinctive glass nose for advanced navigation training, accommodating multiple navigation trainees simultaneously. The AT-7 played a significant role in developing proficient navigators during WWII.

• AT-11 Kansan (U.S. Army Air Forces): Tailored specifically for bombardier and gunnery training, the AT-11 was easily identifiable by its transparent nose, internal bomb racks, and dorsal turret. It provided practical instruction in bomb aiming and aerial gunnery techniques.

• F-2 (U.S. Army Air Forces): Serving as a photographic reconnaissance variant, the F-2 was equipped with extensive camera installations for aerial photography and reconnaissance operations, making it uniquely suited for mapping and intelligence gathering.

• UC-45J (U.S. Navy): A post-war variant modernized for general utility transport and VIP flights, featuring upgraded instrumentation and avionics for improved reliability and passenger comfort.

Beech AT-11 Kansan flickr photo by W9NED shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-ND) license

Overall, the Beechcraft Model 18's versatility and adaptability were demonstrated through these diverse military variants, underscoring its crucial role across all branches of the U.S. armed forces during a period of rapid aviation advancement and operational demands.

BuNo 39957

The Beechcraft JRB-6 Expeditor, Bureau Number (BuNo) 39957, has a storied past that reflects the versatility and enduring value of this iconic aircraft. Originally built as an SNB-1 Kansan (MSN 3689), it was delivered to the U.S. Navy on April 27, 1943, during the height of World War II. Its early service history saw deployment to multiple naval air stations, including NAS Anacostia and NAS Oceana, fulfilling training roles for bombardiers and navigators. 

In 1945, BuNo 39957 underwent remanufacturing by Beechcraft, upgrading to the JRB-6 standard - an update that enhanced its operational capabilities and extended its service life. Following its military career, it spent time stored at naval facilities, notably at Litchfield Park and with the Bureau of Aeronautics (BuAer) in Pensacola, awaiting its fate after years of dedicated service.

Ultimately retired, the aircraft found an unlikely home as part of a collection of movie props at Aviation Warehouse in El Mirage, California. This remarkable journey - from wartime service to Hollywood set piece - highlights the rich heritage and adaptability of the JRB-6 Expeditor, a testament to the aircraft's significance in aviation history.

MotoArt Finds An Expeditor

MotoArt discovered BuNo 39957 in a unique setting - a collection of movie props in El Mirage, California. Identifying its historical significance and potential, MotoArt quickly moved to preserve parts of this extraordinary aircraft. This discovery allowed us to continue our mission of transforming historic aviation artifacts into collectible PlaneTags, ensuring that the legacy of this aircraft endures.

“Uncovering this treasure was incredibly moving. Being able to identify it and learn more about its story is priceless to our team.” Dave Hall, MotoArt PlaneTags CEO

Beechcraft JRB-6 PlaneTags

Crafted from the authentic skin of the Beechcraft JRB-6 Expeditor, MotoArt’s PlaneTags offer aviation enthusiasts and collectors a tangible connection to this legendary aircraft. Each PlaneTag highlights the unique history and craftsmanship of the JRB-6, meticulously preserved to celebrate its historical and cultural importance. Want an early preview before they go on sale? Join the MotoArt PlaneTags Collections Facebook Group and get all the PlaneTags news first. 

U.S. Navy PlaneTags

Don't miss the chance to explore and collect other authentic PlaneTags from our U.S. Navy aircraft collection. Each tag represents a distinct piece of naval aviation history, crafted from aircraft that have honorably served the nation. Our current Navy PlaneTags include iconic aircraft such as:

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