The Fairchild C-119 was a twin-engine, high-wing, cantilever monoplane tactical transport aircraft, featuring a twin-boom tail.

The Italian Air Force deployed sixty-five C-119s between May 1953 and April 1954 alone.

The aircraft retained their US serial numbers without ever receiving Italian registration marks.

The use of the “Flying Carriage” took place almost exclusively with the 46th Air Brigade. 

For 25 years, the C-119s accompanied the deployments of operational units, launched paratroopers from the Folgore brigade, carried out airlift operations for major emergencies in Italy and abroad, dropped supplies to isolated communities, and performed countless other activities.

The “Flying Carriage” concluded its operations in 1979.

The only remaining C-119 is preserved at the 46th Air Brigade in Pisa, which displays it in front of the Kindu fallen's memorial.