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| Max. speed 307mph, cruise 240-mph; ceiling 29,500 ft.; range 8,100 mi.
Weights: 135,232 lbs. empty, 265,000 lbs. gross, 320,000 lbs. max. takeoff.
Dimensions: Span 230 ft., length 182 ft. 6 in., wing area 4,772 sq. ft.
In the darkest days of 1941, when the U.S. feared the possibility of being cutoff from bases
outside the Western Hemisphere by victorious Axis forces, the AAF issued a requirement for an
aircraft termed the "Intercontinental Bomber," capable of flying 8,000 miles with 10,000 lbs.
of bombs. Consolidated (became Convair in 1943) received one of the two development contracts
awarded in late 1941 for its proposed Model 35 (later changed to Model 36), a six- engine pusher
design, under the designation XB-36, then in 1942, under the assigned designation XC-99, the
company was directed to design a transport variant that would utilize the same wing, powerplants,
and empennage. The AAF authorized Consolidated to proceed with the detailed design of the
XC-99 sometime in 1943, however, as with the XB-36 project, changing military priorities delayed actual construction to the extent that the war ended long before the XC-99 could be brought to completion, by which time the project was limited to one experimental prototype. Upon making its first flight on November 23, 1947, the XC-99, in terms of payload, was the largest landplane transport in the world. As originally built, the XC-99 featured the single-wheel main landing gear of the XB-36, restricting operations to only a few runways capable of supporting the weight. To overcome this limitation, it underwent modifications to receive the four- wheel, bogie- type main gear developed for the YB-36A.
Following factory testing, the XC-99 was delivered to the USAF for acceptance trials that
were concluded in late 1949. Due to other large, long- range transport types already in service
or on order (i.e., C-74, C-97A, and C-124), the XC-99 never became a strong candidate for production. Assigned to SAC for strategic logistical support, the XC-99 flew its first active service mission in July 1950, carrying a payload of 101,206 lbs. from Kelly AFB in Texas to McClelland AFB in California. Although occasionally used for other duties, the aircraft's primary job entailed hauling B-36 spares and components from Texas to California. After logging 7,400
hours of flying time, the XC-99 was retired from service in 1957. From the late 1950s to the
mid-1990s, the aircraft was an outside exhibit open to the public at Kelly AFB, then in 2004,
was disassembled and moved piece by piece to Wright- Patterson AFB in Ohio, where it is currently
being restored by the USAF Museum as a future exhibit.
E.R.Johnson "American military transport aircraft since 1925", 2013
External links
| MODEL | XC-99 |
| CREW | 5 |
| PASSENGERS | 400 |
| ENGINE | 6 x 3,500-hp Pratt & Whitney R-4360-41 Wasp Major 28-cylinder air- cooled radial engines |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 145280 kg | 320289 lb |
| Loaded weight | 120000 kg | 264556 lb |
| Empty weight | 61395 kg | 135354 lb |
| Payload | 400 troops or 45000kg of cargo | 882 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 70.10 m | 230 ft 0 in |
| Length | 55.63 m | 183 ft 6 in |
| Wing area | 443.33 m2 | 4771.96 sq ft |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Max. speed | 494 km/h | 307 mph |
| Cruise speed | 386 km/h | 240 mph |
| Ceiling | 9000 m | 29550 ft |
| Range | 13000 km | 8078 miles |
 | A three-view drawing (660 x 794) |
| Robert Brown, CMSgt, USAF (Ret, e-mail, 19.09.2010 00:15 In 1951 I was assigned as a Supply Liaison from Castle AFB to Kelly AFB, expediting priority shipments to Castle by getting the material over to the air terminal ready for "pilot pick-up". Many times I looked at my C-47 load and then glance over at the massive XC-99. Boy, what a plane. Then orders came down transferring me to SAC Hqs, so I had to go back to Castle and clear out. I was able to con the people in the air terminal for a ride to Travis on the mighty XC-99. What a great one time ride. A trip I will always remember. reply | | Jon Thralls, e-mail, 10.08.2010 08:10 I was in basic training at Lackland AFB from September to October 1956, and observed the C-99 taking off from Kelly AFB on several occasions. I understand that there were only 3 or 4 of them built, and the one currently at the AF Museum awaiting restoration is the only survivor. What happened to the others? reply | | Ted Clark, e-mail, 02.06.2010 03:39 During my Basic Training days at Lackland AFB from late May thru early Aug 1955, I had the opportunity to see the XC-99 fly over several times. Later in the early 1990's I visited Lackland AFB and drove around an access road to view this proud big bird. It was in a sad condition, with only some donkeys to keep it company. I'm glad to know that it is being restored for later generations to view. reply | | R Clarke, e-mail, 19.08.2010 22:37 I flew every flight on the old girl from January 1953 to June 1954 when I got discharged and there was no such thing as a dull or routine flight. She definitely was one of a kind. We drew a crowd wherever we went. reply | |
| | R Lewis, e-mail, 17.05.2010 19:50 My dad (Ron Lewis) was a member of the USAF band from 1949 to 1953. He recently told me of seeing the XC-99 land at Boling AFB, Washington, DC. After some heated discussion by the top brass the XC-99 landed on Armed forces day 1951 or 1952. The debate was centered around the extreme weight of the plane and possible damage to the runway. The plane landed and did subsantial damage to the runway. No further attempts were made to land at Boling again. reply | | Jack Mulanax, e-mail, 15.04.2010 05:36 In Early 1952 I was stationed at Vance AFB, Enid, Ok. Got to take a trip in an old twin beech (c-45 I believe)to Kelly AFB with my Communications Caption. We were tied down just next to the XC-99. They would not let us get any closer than our plane from it. In 1953 while stationed at Weisbaden, Germany the XC-99 flew in with what was stated the largest load of rebuilt aircraft engines that had ever been transported. They took back a lot of used engines due for overhaul. Quite a lot of fan faare was made of this. After it was retired from service and just off the runway at Kelly AFB I took my family and was able to take a tour inside the XC-99. Quite something. Later I met in Fredricksburg, Tx an Air Force Sgt that had been the crew chief on the XC-99 at one time. He sated it had a lot of engines failure primary due to being pusher type Props. reply | | Russell g.Moore, e-mail, 15.03.2010 18:13 I was stationed at Lackland in the fall of 1955 and remember seeing the xc-99 flying out of Kelly Field. It was an awesome plane. reply | | William Lear, e-mail, 10.03.2010 21:01 As a Convair engineering employee I can never forget the day the whole city of San Diego turned out to see thi huge airplane take off from Lindbergh field. We were just awestruck to see it lift off and rise over Point Loma. Unfortunately I can't come up with a date, but it was staged on a Sunday in order to allow the greatest number of the citizenry to witness the long-anticipated event. reply | | Wayne Ramer, e-mail, 30.01.2010 07:57 I took basic training at Lackland AFB IN 1953 and watched the 99 several times as it took off from Kelly and climbed out over Lackland.Fantastic Airplane! I later had the priviledge of crewing B-25's at Maxwell AFB in Alabama reply | | K.W. Boughton, e-mail, 04.01.2010 23:28 I was stationed at Lackland AFB 1959-1961 & again from 1962-1963 and the XC-99 was in a grassy area beyween Lackland & Kelly. In 1981 on a return trip from Mexico I stopped in San Antonio to see how things changed and ofcourse I nearly got lost traversing the loop around S.A.
Anyway, the XC-99 was still parked and tours of the plane were being handled by a Veterans group. I could see a big change in its condition over the past 20 years. reply | | robert emery, e-mail, 18.12.2009 23:46 i used to see the old 99 @kelly in the early 50s i have some pictures of it. i flew on c124s out of castle and would periodically go to kelly .that ac always fasinated me reply | | Julian H Naugher, e-mail, 30.10.2009 23:05 I was stationed at Walker AFB 40 Bomb Sqdn in 1954. We took our B36 to Kelly for weight and balance,had engine trouble en route so took a few days at Kelly working on the engine. While there the C99 came in, she causes much excitement while there. After a day or so lay over she is ready to go again. Many airmen are gathered on the ramp and in the hangar beneath the control tower awaiting take off. A permanent party M /SGT there and I were in conversation when the engines started,she taxied out,made her pre flight engine run up and rolled onto the runway. I had earlier ask the Sgt if she was taking off and was told yes ,to Puerto Rico. I pointed out the rudder locks were still installed. The Sgt gave a short expletive and ran up the stairs I assume to the tower.Meanwhile the 99 was lined up on the runway with power set, then idled back, a door opened on the vertical stabalizer, an airman came out and removed the locks,went back in and closed the door,
Power was again set,brakes released and the 99 was on its way to Puerto Rico. Fifty five years ago and I still hear those engines on B36s and C99.
Next day we removed the rudder locks on our B36 and returned to Walker AFB. reply | | steve, e-mail, 22.06.2009 02:34 have original 78 rpm recording made in 1947, first flight of xc99 at lindbergh field san diego,ca. take off and landing. i worked at convair, salvaged record from trash bin.will consider selling record. reply | | stevecouvelis, e-mail, 17.06.2009 01:18 ihffvea78recordmadein1947atlindberghfieldtelling ofthefrstflightofthexc99takingoffandlandingc reply | |
| | james raby, e-mail, 23.04.2009 18:27 my father walter raby flew this in the 1950s He was the youngest pilot to fly it at the age of 27. He was a c124 pilot at kelly afb. Had over 10000 hours in c 124. He is 84 years old living in seattle wa. He flew b25 in ww2. Night missions in korea and c130s and 141s in vietnam.
moved to seattle 1960s boeing pilot 727 737 757 retired 1986. reply | | Daniel L. Berek, e-mail, 22.03.2009 23:34 Interestingly enough, a double-deck passenger version, known as the Model 37, was proposed. Pan American expressed interest in this giant, but this was dropped in favor of the Stratocruiser. I have a few pictures of this aircraft here: rides.webshots.com /photo /2944279650048918155ZfCbGi
along with other fantasy aircraft (such as the Lockheed Constitution and Martin Mars). reply | | Ron Myers, e-mail, 19.02.2009 02:37 I was stationed at Goose AFB, Labrador 54-55 and saw the beast land and it was on the flightine parked next to a C124. I took a photo of them. It was a sight to see, we were used to seeing B36 land a Goose. The XC99 was on it's way to Germany that day. They weren't economical to fly unless the had a return cargo to bring back. reply | | Tim Christman, e-mail, 22.12.2008 02:11 This aircraft has mesmerized me for al long as I can remember. I first saw it in the early 50s at Armed Forces Day at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton Ohio. During the late 90s I was fortunate enough to be allowed onto Kelly AFB where I found the poor old girl sitting on the ramp in terrible shape. I still live in Dayton, and it is now currently in pieces here at the Air Force Museum awaiting restoration. Given their backlog with the Memphis Belle and other aircraft, I doubt it will be on display anytime within the next 20 years. reply | | Dan Dylag, e-mail, 20.11.2008 18:33 AS a impressionable 4 year old I first saw the XC-99 at Kelly AFB in 1972 when my family traveled to San Antonio for My Uncle,s wedding. He was stationed at Kelly as a WEATHER OFFICER there.One day he took us out to the XC-99 when it was still on blocks and was still in it,s last paint scheme my mother took several pictures outside. This was the largest airplane I had Ever seen at the time even bigger than the C5-A,s sitting on the tarmac just a few hundred feet away. We then climed inside and went to the cockpit,which was in pristine condition. It looked as if it was ready to fly that day.Mom took a few pictures of the cockpit with one being an excellant photo of the instrument panel I,m sure the Air Force Museum might like to see to use in the restoration. Many years later I joined the Air Force and was stationed at Lackland AFB as a Medical Technician at Wilford Hall Medical Center. Any way when my daughter Krista was born in June of 1997 my mom came down to see us and asked if the XC-99 was still at Kelly and I really didn,t know so I asked and someone told me that there was an aircraft on kelly but it was in pretty bad shape and it was near the access road fence on kelly. So we took a drive and there she sat in the worst condition I had ever seen an Aircraft. Mom and I were both Appalled. Right before I got out of the Air Force in 1999 I started to hear that the MUseum was going to restore it and display it. this was great news as I live in Cleveland,Ohio and Dayton is only 3 1 /2 hours away. In May of 2007 I was at Wright Patterson AFB for a class for my A.F. Reserve unit and went to the museum to see if the XC-99 was there yet. I was told some of it was near the restoration building waiting for the rest to arrive. they then showed me the model in the cold war exibit and to my luck there were a few old crew members visiting that day and I spoke to them for hours about the aircraft and it,s hey day. I then remembered that I had brought the photos my mom had taken some 35 years ago. I showed them and a it brought a tear to more than a few of them as I also had taken a photo of the 99 in It's deteriorated state. I still remember one gentlemen stating that this was the best aircraft he had the priviledge to fly and be a crewmember on. and he was a WW II vetern and I took this as law. So as the restoration will begin some time in the next year I can,t wait to see the 99 come back to life and see the 4 year old come back and reinspire this 40 year old. The only other thing I wish and I know will not happen is to see it fly as I never have. reply | | Maj.Ron PooleUSAF(Ret), e-mail, 09.07.2008 20:45 One of the last flights of this bird was to Eielson AFB,AK in 1975. They were carrying rocket motors from Wallops Island to Prudoe Bay. We had to isolate it due to explosive nature of cargo. reply |
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