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.

Though the aircraft was tested extensively and made numerous airshow appearances in the early 1950s the project went no further.

Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era