1947: The Convair XC-99, world’s largest land plane at that time, made its first flight at San Diego. The design capacity of the XC-99 was 100,000 lbs. of cargo or 400 fully equipped soldiers on its double cargo decks. A cargo lift was installed for easier loading. The engines faced rearward in a pusher configuration. The aircraft never entered production but did fly operational missions in the US. The sole XC-99 served until 1957, including use during the Korean War. (The sole Convair XC-99 (right) in flight with a Convair B-36B-10-CF Peacemaker)
