Lockheed CL-1201 nuclear-powered transport aircraft concept

The Lockheed CL-1201 was a proposed design for a nuclear-powered transport aircraft developed by Lockheed in the late 1960s. This ambitious project envisioned a massive aircraft with a wingspan of 1,120 feet (340 meters), which would have made it the largest airplane ever built. The design included a crescent-shaped wing and was intended to serve dual roles: as a logistics support aircraft capable of transporting hundreds of troops and equipment, and as an airborne aircraft carrier that could carry up to 22 fighter jets. The aircraft would have utilized a nuclear reactor to power four jet engines, allowing for an endurance of up to 41 days in the air. Additionally, it would have required 182 vertical lift engines for takeoff. Despite its innovative design, the CL-1201 remained a study and was never constructed, reflecting the challenges and limitations of such advanced military aviation concepts during that era.

- The Lockheed CL-1201 was a design study for a nuclear-powered transport aircraft.

- It featured a wingspan of 1,120 feet, making it the largest aircraft design proposed.

- The aircraft was intended for dual roles: logistics support and as an airborne aircraft carrier.

- It would have had an endurance of 41 days and required 182 vertical lift engines for takeoff.

- The project was never realized and remained a theoretical concept.