Everts DC-6 Starts Her Massive P&W R-2800 Engines In The Cold

In the cold morning air of Alaska, an Everts Air Cargo DC-6 sits worn, stained, and unmistakably alive. As ground crew prepare the aircraft, the focus turns to its heart, the Pratt and Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engines.

Each R-2800 produces 2,500 horsepower, a figure that once placed the DC-6 among the most capable piston powered transports in the world. The DC-6 traces its roots to World War II, when it was originally developed as a long range military transport.

Everts Air’s DC-6, registered as N251CE, was built in 1955 as a military variant before being converted into a DC-6A in 1976.

Although the DC-6 first flew in 1946, it continues to serve in cargo, military support, and firefighting roles. Everts Air Cargo and Everts Air Fuel remain among the last major operators, maintaining a fleet of more than ten aircraft.