american assault developed conversion twin engine transport world war successful testing requirement large passed examples type built additional converted field configuration briefly evaluation quickly powered configuration design development introduction engined transport aircraft observing conventional service inefficient use power capacity determined requirement existed new larger assault determined best solution requirement conversion douglas large scale production meet requirement converted configuration minimal alteration airframe provide required capacity trials conducted conventional powered conducting ordinary landings towed indicated scheme feasible taken hand conversion given designation aircraft impressed military service start world war modified removal aircraft engines containing landing gear remained place covered containing fixed weight compensate removal engines equipment longer necessary conversion configuration removed save weight items removed included aircraft bulkheads navigator radio operator positions operational history conversion carried completed june aircraft undergoing initial flight test shortly flight testing proved aircraft satisfactory compared conventional service aircraft possessed lower higher speeds conventional significantly shallower angle tow tests conducted variety aircraft commonly configuration tandem tow aircraft coupled tandem leading aircraft following takeoff configuration dangerous middle determined single optimal aircraft cargo hold capacity pounds alternatively fully equipped troops transported figures significantly larger conventional capacity capable carrying single load alternatively millimetre regardless aircraft load ballast required maintain aircraft center gravity trait unique american assault despite satisfactory results testing aircraft failed army requirement capable landing fields addition time evaluation completed need large assault passed primary role intended increase supplies carried china war situation favorable added capacity provide longer required examples type produced prototype trials complete placed storage ferried disposal august august aircraft sold engines return aircraft powered status configuration sources indicate configuration following restoration powered status aircraft transferred mexico remained civilian service field conversion failed lead production derived type single converted field configuration located philippines january carried manner conversion included shaped engine auxiliary power unit bomber installed referred named aircraft undertook initial flight following conversion june towed flight tests field converted aircraft proved favorable ambitious flight aircraft tokyo japan planned flight intended prove large act aerial freight train regular transport flight conducted late june took hours flight time included overnight stay okinawa covering miles concluded airfield near tokyo despite success flight aerial freight train concept catch aircraft engines fitted august returned service normal operators military civilian specifications data general characteristics crew pilot capacity pounds cargo troops length wingspan height wing area weight gross weight performance maximum speed mph max speed cruising speed mph speed stall speed mph maximum ratio wing loading
Douglas XCG-17