Fairchild F-46

Summary

The Fairchild F-46, also known as the Duramold Aircraft Corporation F-46 A, is a light aircraft that was built using the Duramold process, later used on the Spruce Goose.

Model 46
Fairchild F-46
Role Light aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Fairchild Aircraft, Duramold Aircraft Corporation, Clark Corporation, Fairchild Airplane Investments Corporation and Molded Aircraft Corporation[1]
Designer Virginius E. Clark
First flight 12 May 1937
Number built 1

Design edit

The Model 46 is a low-wing, cabin aircraft, with conventional landing gear and structures made using Duramold processes. The fuselage is constructed of two halves bonded together. The wings use wooden spars with plywood covering. The control surfaces use aluminum frames with aircraft fabric covering. A 50 U.S. gallons (190 L; 42 imp gal) fuel tank was mounted in each wing.[citation needed]

Operational history edit

In 1947 the Model 46 prototype was re-engined with a Pratt & Whitney R-985 and flown for ten years.[2]

Specifications (Fairchild 46) edit

Data from FAA TCDS[3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 4 passengers
  • Gross weight: 4,800 lb (2,177 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 100 U.S. gallons (380 L; 83 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Ranger SGV-770B-5 , 420 hp (310 kW)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 178 kn (205 mph, 330 km/h)
  • Never exceed speed: 220 kn (250 mph, 400 km/h)

Avionics

  • Transmitter (Lear UT4)
  • Transmitter (Lear UT6)
  • Receiver (Lear R3)
  • Compass (Fairchild)
  • Fixed antenna (transmitter)
  • Fixed antenna (compass)
  • Motoreel, Receiver (RCA AVR-7 series)
  • Transmitter (RCAAVT-7, -12, -12A)
  • Dynamotor (RCA)
  • Compass (RCA)

See also edit

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References edit

  1. ^ "F-46". Retrieved 9 February 2012.
  2. ^ Pike, Johnny (2003). "Fairchild F-46 Restoration". Fairchild F-46. Archived from the original on 24 June 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
  3. ^ "Suramold Aircraft Corporation: Models: Duramold F-46A, 5PCLM: T.C. Number: 2-545" (PDF). Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved February 13, 2021.