Fairchild F-46

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

Development

The F-46 was the first successful aircraft to use molded plywood.[2] The process was developed jointly by the Haskelite Manufacturing Corporation as Plymold and the Fairchild Engine and Aircraft Corporation as Duramold.[3] 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.[4]

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.

Operational history

In 1947 the Model 46 prototype was re-engined with a Pratt & Whitney R-985 and flown for ten years.[5]

Specifications (Fairchild 46)

Data from FAA TCDS

General characteristics

  • Capacity: 5
  • Max takeoff 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)
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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. "Ludington is Birthplace of Plywood Airplanes". Daily News. Ludington, Michigan. July 15, 1943 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. "New Plastic Material Solves Plane Problem". Daily Capital Journal. Salem, Oregon. January 21, 1939 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. Frank Woodring, Suanne Woodring. Fairchild Aircraft.
  5. "Fairchild F 46". Retrieved 9 February 2012.
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