The VC-131D Samaritan is a military transport aircraft, a variant of the Convair C-131 Samaritan series. Originally, the C-131A was developed as a flying hospital with capacity for 20 stretchers. The “D” version was reconfigured to serve primarily as a passenger transport, fitted with 44 seats for personnel movement. This reliable airframe served various roles within the US Air Force, including early use in reduced-gravity testing for astronaut training.
Consolidated Vultee Aircraft, commonly known as Convair, was formed in 1943 from the merger of Consolidated Aircraft and Vultee Aircraft. Vultee Aircraft, Inc. had its roots in the Airplane Development Corporation, established in 1932 by Gerard Vultee and later acquired by AVCO. The 1943 merger created one of the largest aircraft manufacturers of the era. Convair continued its work in military and commercial aviation until being acquired by General Dynamics in the 1950s.
A range of access solutions can support maintenance across this airframe. The Reach Deck Platform, Modular Stepover Platforms, and Super Maintenance Platform provide access to the Forward Fuselage for cargo and cabin access, and the Middle Fuselage/Wing Box Area for fuel maintenance and interior work.
Platforms like the Cantilever Platform, Super Service Stand, and Ultraraise are ideal for inspecting the Wing & Engine Pylon components, including the engine body, inlet/exhaust, and fuel pumps. The Bridge Deck and Branach Fibreglass Platform offer safe overhead access to the Tail Section for maintenance on the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, and the APU compartment components. Platform Ladder Warthog and Easyraise are foundational for general inspections across the Nose Section and Landing Gear.
