Fairchild FC-2
FC-1, FC-2, and Models 51 and 61 | |
---|---|
RCAF FC-2L "Razorback" | |
Role | Civil utility aircraft |
Manufacturer | Fairchild |
Built by | Canadian Vickers (under license) |
First flight | 14 June 1926 |
Number built | c. 180 |
The Fairchild FC-1 and its derivatives were a family of light, single-engine, high-wing utility monoplanes produced in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. The aircraft was originally designed to provide a camera platform for
Design and development
Fairchild had approached a number of aircraft builders with specifications for what he considered to be an ideal aircraft for this type of work, with which he hoped to replace the variety of types that his firm then operated. Believing the quotes he received to be excessive, Fairchild opted to produce the aircraft in-house, purchasing facilities at Farmingdale, New York for the purpose. The design was for a conventional high-wing, strut-braced monoplane with a fully enclosed cabin and tailwheel undercarriage. The wooden wings were able to be folded back against the tail for storage.[1] To facilitate its intended role, the cabin was extensively glazed, offering plenty of vantage points for photographers.
The FC-1 was designed by Norman McQueen and Alex Klemin, featuring oleo and spring landing gear with foot activated brakes. Besides photography, the aircraft specifications include usage for carrying passengers, mail and advertising.[2]
The prototype FC-1 flew in June 1926, and initial testing found its original
Operational history
The production aircraft differed from the prototype by having increased cabin volume, and was offered with a choice of powerplants. Other options included a choice of wheeled, ski, or float undercarriage.[3] Early production aircraft fitted with only three longerons in the rear fuselage gave this batch of aircraft a "Razorback" appearance leading to its nickname. Later production series eliminated this distinctive feature. Designed with aerial photography in mind, the FC-2L featured an enclosed and heated cabin with extra windows to allow for an improved downward view. The Royal Canadian Air Force initially procured the type for this role, before utilizing the aircraft primarily as a light transport.[4]
A version optimized for cargo carrying was produced as the FC-2W with a
FC-2Ws flown by Canadian bush pilots Duke Schiller and Romeo Vachon, the Canadian Transcontinental Airways Company's Chief Pilot, were also prominently used in the 1928 rescue of the crew of the aircraft Bremen in Canada.[7]
On 19 October 1927, an FC-2 configured as a floatplane made the first contract Air Mail flight operated by
Due to a Royal Canadian Air Force requirement to standardize engines, the basic FC-2 design was re-engineered with a 215 hp Armstrong Siddeley Lynx radial engine and redesignated as the FC-2L. In this form, the type flew with RCAF units, primarily in northern operations. A further version for the RCAF, known as the FC-2V, was also developed.[4]
The basic FC-2 design was further evolved into the model 51 and 71.
Variants
- FC-1 - prototype with Curtiss OX-5 engine (one built)
- FC-1A - prototype modified with Wright J-4engine (one converted)
- FC-1A - prototype modified with
- FC-2 - production version with Wright J-5 engine (118 built, plus 12 built by Canadian Vickersunder license)
- FC-2C (for "Challenger") - version with Curtiss Flying Service(six built)
- FC-2L (for "Lynx") - version with Armstrong Siddeley Lynx engine for Royal Canadian Air Force (three converted)[4]
- FC-2W (for "Wasp") - version with Pratt & Whitney Wasp engine (14 built)
- FC-2W2 - definitive production version of FC-2W
- UC-96 - designation given to three FC-2Ws impressed into USAAF service
- Model 61 - FC-2W2s with enlarged cabin (three converted)
- FC-2W2 - definitive production version of FC-2W
- Model 51 - FC-2s refitted with Wright J-6 engine (31 built)
- XJQ-1 (later RQ-2) - single FC-2 purchased by United States Navy for evaluation. Redesignated XJQ-2, later redesignated again as the XRQ-2.
- FC-2C (for "Challenger") - version with
Operators
- Línea Aeropostal Santiago-Arica(LAN Chile)
- American Airlines
- Clifford Ball Inc.[11]
- Pan American Airways
- NACA
Specifications (FC-2)
General characteristics
- Crew: one pilot
- Capacity: four passengers "or" 820 lb (372 kg) freight
- Length: 31 ft 0 in (9.45 m)
- Wingspan: 44 ft 0 in (13.41 m)
- Height: 9 ft 0 in (2.74 m)
- Wing area: 290 sq ft (26.9 m2)
- Empty weight: 2,160 lb (980 kg)
- Gross weight: 3,600 lb (1,633 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Wright J-5, 200 hp (149 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 122 mph (196 km/h, 106 kn)
- Range: 700 mi (1,127 km, 610 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 11,500 ft (3,500 m)
- Rate of climb: 565 ft/min (2.9 m/s)
References
- Notes
- ^ Pan American was finally able to inaugurate daily service over the route nine days later with the Fokker F.VIIa/3m General Machado (NC-53).
- Citations
- ^ Straub, Robert. "Oshkosh Air Venture 2001." Skyways: The Journal of the Airplane 1920-1940 (Publisher: Leonard E. Opdycke), October 2001, p. 25. ISSN 1051-6956.
- ^ Puckett, H.L. (1980). Sherman Fairchild's PT-19: Cradle of Heroes. Flambeau Lith Corporation. p. 10.
- ^ a b Taylor 1989, p. 353.
- ^ a b c d "Fairchild FC-2L Razorback." canadianwings.com. Retrieved: 5 November 2011.
- ^ "Historic Aircraft." Archived 2011-12-03 at the Wayback Machine Virginia Aviation Museum. Retrieved: 5 November 2011.
- ^ "Fairchild FC-2W2 Stars and Stripes|url=http://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/fairchild-fc-2w2-stars-and-stripes/nasm_A19720533000 Retrieved: 6 February 2021.
- ^ Hotson 1998, pp. 104, 111.
- ^ Coates, Ed. "Fairchild FC-2." edcoatescollection.com. Retrieved: 5 November 2011.
- ^ "Fairchild 51." canadianwings.com. Retrieved: 5 November 2011.
- ^ "Fairchild 71." canadianwings.com. Retrieved: 5 November 2011.
- ^ The Tube City Almanar, Flying the Nostalgic Skies
- Bibliography
- Hotson, Fred W. The Bremen. Toronto, Ontario: Canav Books, 1998. ISBN 978-0-921022-02-2.
- ISBN 0-07-082778-8.
- Molson, Ken M. and Harold A. Taylor. Canadian Aircraft Since 1909. Stittsville, Ontario: Canada's Wings, Inc., 1982. ISBN 0-920002-11-0.
- Taylor, Michael J.H. Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 1989. ISBN 0-517-10316-8.
- World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing, File 894, Sheet 03.