Beach Aircraft D18S
Expeditor C-45

The C-45 is a military version of the light commercial transport made by Beech Aircraft of Wichita, Kansas that first flew on January 15, 1937. A 6 to 11-seat, twin-engine, low-wing, tailwheel aircraft, the Beech 18 was continuously produced from 1937 to November 1969 (over 32 years, the world record at the time, with over 9,000 produced) making it one of the world's most widely-used light aircraft. Sold worldwide, in 32 configurations, as a civilian executive, utility, airline and cargo aircraft, on tail wheels, nose wheels, skis and floats, the C-45 version was widely used as a military aircraft in a variety of roles. 5,204 military models were delivered during World War II to 30 of the world’s air forces, with 394 being acquired by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1939/40, and another 388 in the 1950s. The Model D18S was the first post-World War II variant introduced in 1945, with seating for up to eight passengers and maximum takeoff weight of 8,750 lb (3,970 kg). A total of 1,035 of this model were built.

Used initially for light transport and communications duties, after World War II the Expeditor became the RCAF's basic multi-engine trainer for pilots, navigators and radio officers, while still providing communications and VIP transport duties at most RCAF Stations. Later in its career, circa 1956, the aircraft equipped RCAF Auxiliary (active Reserve) squadrons across the country in transport and search and rescue roles. Three versions of the C-45 were used by the RCAF - the 3NM, used for navigation, bombing and weapons training, and photo survey work; 3TM for VIP transportation; and 3T for cargo. During the 1950s, the numbers in service shrunk to 180 and, by 1970, all had been retired - the aircraft having served the RCAF for three decades, from 1941 to 1972. Beech, however, refurbished more than 2,200 of the military versions for civilian use, zero-timing the airframes.