Fairchild F-46

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Model 46
EL-2000-00186.jpg
Fairchild F-46
Role Light aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Fairchild Aircraft, , , and [1]
Designer Virginius E. Clark
First flight 12 May 1937
Number built 1

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.

Development[]

The process was developed jointly by the Haskelite Manufacturing Corporation as Plymold and the Fairchild Engine and Aircraft Corporation as Duramold.[2] The plywood employed heat, pressure, plastics and wood to make complex structures in less time than could be done with aluminum construction. The Haskelite Corporation used this plywood for railway cars, buses, automobiles, and boats. Fairchild created its own use of the technology for making airplane structures.[3]

Design[]

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[]

In 1947 the Model 46 prototype was re-engined with a Pratt & Whitney R-985 and flown for ten years.[4]

Specifications (Fairchild 46)[]

Data from FAA TCDS[5]

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[]

Related development

  • Spruce Goose made with the Duramold process

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References[]

  1. ^ "F-46". Retrieved 9 February 2012.
  2. ^ "New Plastic Material Solves Plane Problem". Daily Capital Journal. Salem, Oregon. January 21, 1939 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ Frank Woodring, Suanne Woodring. Fairchild Aircraft.
  4. ^ "Fairchild F 46". Retrieved 9 February 2012.
  5. ^ "Suramold Aircraft Corporation: Models: Duramold F-46A, 5PCLM: T.C. Number: 2-545" (PDF). Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
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