Fairchild XC-120 Packplane
Prototype airlifter model by Fairchild From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Fairchild XC-120 Packplane was an American experimental modular aircraft first flown in 1950. It was developed from the company's C-119 Flying Boxcar, and was unique in the unconventional use of removable cargo pods that were attached below the fuselage, instead of possessing an internal cargo compartment.
| XC-120 Packplane | |
|---|---|
| Composite image of the sole XC-120 on the ground, and in flight. | |
| General information | |
| Type | Military transport aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Fairchild |
| Number built | 1 |
| History | |
| First flight | 11 August 1950 |
| Developed from | C-119 Flying Boxcar |
Design and development
The XC-120 Packplane began as a C-119B fuselage (48-330, c/n 10312) with a point just below the flight deck cut off to create the space for the detachable cargo pod.[citation needed] The fuselage was raised by several feet, and smaller diameter "twinned" wheels were installed forward of each of the main landing gear struts to serve as nosewheels, while the main struts were extended backwards.
All four landing gear units, in matching "nose" and "main" sets, could be raised and lowered to allow cargo to be preloaded into the pods; it was claimed that such an arrangement would speed up loading and unloading cargo.[1]
Production aircraft were to be designated C-128.
Operational history
Only one XC-120 was built. Though the aircraft was tested extensively and made numerous airshow appearances in the early 1950s the project went no further. It was tested by the Air Proving Ground Command at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, in 1951,[2] before the project was abandoned in 1952.[3] The prototype was eventually scrapped.
Specifications (XC-120)
Data from [4]
General characteristics
- Crew: Five (pilot, copilot, flight engineer, two loadmasters)
- Capacity: 20,000 lb (9,090 kg) (2,700 cu.ft)
- Length: 82 ft 10 in (25.25 m)
- Wingspan: 106 ft 6 in (32.46 m)
- Height: 25 ft 1 in (7.65 m)
- Wing area: 1,447 sq ft (134.4 m2)
- Empty weight: 16,195 lb (7,386 kg) (without container)[citation needed]
- Gross weight: 51,646 lb (23,426 kg) [citation needed]
- Max takeoff weight: 64,000 lb (29,030 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major radial engines, 3,250 hp (2,420 kW) each for takeoff
Performance
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
External links
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