A convertible payload transport aircraft (100, 400) is provided that includes a main body having a cockpit (112), a first fixed wing (120) extending from a side of the cockpit (112) and a second fixed wing (120) extending from the opposing side of the cockpit (112). The aircraft (100, 400) also includes a first pair of wheel struts (124) extending between the first fixed wing (120) and a first set of corresponding wheels (128), a second pair of wheel struts (124) extending between the second fixed wing (120) and a second set of corresponding wheels (128), wheel-strut cables (126) that extend between the first pair of wheel struts (124), the second pair of wheel struts (124) and the main body and a payload interface system (102) disposed under the cockpit (112) and between the wheel struts (124) and configured to be coupled to a payload. The aircraft may also include a mast system (106, 406) and a para-wing (404) coupled to the mast system (406) configured to facilitate transport of heavier payloads.