C-123 ProviderFairchild C 123 Provider airplane model. The "Provider" is a short range assault transport used to airlift troops and cargo onto short runways and unprepared airstrips. Designed by the Chase Aircraft Co., the C 123 evolved from earlier designs for large assault gliders. The first prototype XC 123 made its initial flight on October 14, 1949, powered by two piston engines. A second prototype was built as the XG 20 glider. It was later test flown,