included a complementary 747 AWACS version with two reconnaissance "microfighters", was considered technically feasible in 1973. As the Boeing 747-AAC's size was massive, with power and high-range, they believed that they could use it for military means, with the existence of aircraft-carriers of massive size, they deemed it to be possible. Modified versions of the 747-200 and Lockheed C-5A were considered as the base aircraft. This caused the concept of a mothership holding microfighters to exist. Design The design of the 747-AAC had space for a crew of 44, with space for 9-10 microfighters to be in, The aircraft was designed to carry 10 Boeing Model 985-121 "microfighters" with the ability to launch, retrieve, re-arm and to refuel. In the blueprints there is a hangar at the top of fuselage where the cabin would be for an airliner, the hangar holds the microfighters. The back end of the aircraft carrier, at the bottom space near the fin has a section for 'armaments and spare parts,' in the bottom front there is launch-bay for releasing fighter aircraft and a recovery-bay near the 'armaments and spare parts section. in the bottom center of the aircraft's fuselage would be a section for fueling it's reconnaissance Boeing Model 985-121s''''' There would be a sliding deck and pressures hatches which would pressurize and depressurize during the microfighters' launch and retrieval. The airborne aircraft carrier would have 4 jet engines and a long fuselage, accompanied by sharp wings. References Boeing 747 AAC: 1970s Concept for Flying Aircraft Carrier | IE (interestingengineering.com) Check Out This Novel Concept Of A Flying Aircraft Carrier By The US Airforce (wonderfulengineering.com) Boeing 747 AAC (boeing-747.com) Lockheed C-130 Hercules Since 2015, the United States Department of Defense has been investigating the prospect of deploying Dynetics X-61 Gremlins unmanned aerial vehicles from modified Lockheed C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft. The plane will be able to deploy, support and recover drones. After completing their mission, the X-61A will use a proprietary air-recovery method involving a drogue-like receptacle and docking technique. After docking is completed the X-61A will be “reeled in” to the cargo compartment of the C-130. Testing is currently being conducted at Dugway Proving Grounds with International Air Response providing the contracted C-130A. See also Aircraft cruiser Helicopter carrier Parasite aircraft Submarine aircraft carrier Composite aircraft List of fictional airborne aircraft carriers References External links