Summary
The Alexander Airplane Company D-1 Flyabout was an early entry into the light aircraft market by the popular biplane aircraft manufacturer.[2] The aircraft was later manufactured by Aircraft Mechanics, Inc.
| Flyabout D | |
|---|---|
| Role | Light Monoplane |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Alexander Aircraft Company, Aircraft Mechanics, Inc. |
| Designer | Proctor Nichols |
| Introduction | 1931 Detroit Air Show[1] |
Design edit
The D-1 was a conventional landing geared high winged monoplane with side-by-side seating powered by a 35 hp (26 kW) Continental engine, with a firewall-mounted fuel tank. The cabin featured doors on both sides of the aircraft.[3] It was the first aircraft certified under new CAA rules for aircraft under 1,000 lb (454 kg).[4]
Operational history edit
The prototype's capabilities were demonstrated by flying up to 15,000 ft (4,572 m) above Pikes Peak with the 38 hp (28 kW) model.[5] Test pilot Proctor Nichols later reported having flown through a tornado formation in the demonstrator returning from the Cleveland National Air Races.[6]
Variants edit
- D-1
- First outfitted with a 35 hp (26 kW) Continental engine.
- D-2
- Improved model with Szekely engine.[7]
Specifications (Flyabout D-1) edit
Data from Popular Aviation
General characteristics
- Capacity: 2
- Length: 21 ft 4 in (6.50 m)
- Wingspan: 37 ft 2 in (11.33 m)
- Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
- Empty weight: 536.5 lb (243 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 8 U.S. gallons (30 L; 6.7 imp gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × continental horizontally opposed piston, 35 hp (26 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 74 kn (85 mph, 137 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 65 kn (75 mph, 121 km/h)
- Stall speed: 30 kn (34 mph, 55 km/h)
- Range: 152 nmi (175 mi, 282 km)
- Rate of climb: 650 ft/min (3.3 m/s)
See also edit
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References edit
- ^ Popular Aviation: 32. June 1931.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link) - ^ David Mondey. The complete illustrated encyclopedia of the world's aircraft.
- ^ Popular Aviation: 11. July 1931.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link) - ^ Aerospace Industries Association of America; Manufacturers Aircraft Association; Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce of America (1932). Aircraft year book, Volume 14. American Aviation Publications.
- ^ Popular Aviation: 35. November 1931.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link) - ^ Popular Aviation: 96. December 1931.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link) - ^ Popular Aviation: 134. December 1931.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
External links edit
- Alexander D-2 registrations