The C-82 was designed to meet the need for a large capacity cargo aircraft that could load at near ground level. The single prototype first flew on September 10, 1944; deliveries began in late 1945 and ended in September 1948. Two hundred twenty-three Packets were built--all but four were -As. It was primarily used for cargo and troop transport, but it also was used for paratroop operations and towing gliders. Its capacity was 41 paratroops or 34 stretchers and it had clam-shell rear doors that allowed easy entry of trucks, tanks, artillery, and other bulky cargo. Beginning in 1946, some C-82s were assigned to Tactical Air Command troop carrier squadrons and others to Military Air Transport Service (MATS). Several were assigned to the Berlin Airlift primarily to carry assembled vehicles into the city. In 1947, Fairchild developed an improved Packet which the USAF accepted for production as the C-119.