The Cargomaster was a turboprop strategic airlifter built by the Douglas Aircraft Company. This was the first and only turboprop strategic airlifter the USAF ever operated. The plane had its first flight on April 23 1956 and entered service in August 1957.

The plane began beating several world records during its early years of service. A notable example was when it lifted 53 tons of cargo in 1958 and also when it beat the transatlantic speed record for an airlifter. These records would soon be eclipsed as larger, faster and more capable airlifters entered service. The plane has proven to be a good source of transport for the early ICBMs from base to base.

The plane was plagued with issues when in service with the airforce. These would go down to vibration, cracking of the fuselage and reliability issues with the T34 engines. A total of 50 planes were built in which 9 were lost in accidents. The plane only operated for 14 years when it retired in 1971 with the introduction of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy.