UC-61 Forwarder

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The Fairchild UC-61, a single-engine monoplane aircraft, was a US Army Air Corps adaptation of the four seater Fairchild Model 24 used as a light transport aircraft.

1944 Fairchild Argus III (G-BCBH)

1 Design and development
2 Service
3 Postwar
4 Specifications (UC-61)
- 4.1 General characteristics
- 4.2 Performance
5 Military Operators
6 Related content

[edit] Design and development

The Model 24 was itself a development of previous Fairchild models and gained rapid popularity in the early 1930s. Prominent businessmen and Hollywood actors used the aircraft, noted for its pleasant handling characteristics and roomy interior. Having adapted many components from the automotive industry (expandable brake tubes and roll-down cabin windows), the aircraft was also affordable and easy to maintain.

[edit] Service

The aircraft entered military service in 1942. The Civil Air Patrol operated many Fairchild UC-61/24's and some aircraft were fitted with two 100 pound bombs for what became successful missions against German U-boats off the east coast of the United States in the early stages of the Second World War. The UC-61 was also procured by the US Navy as the GK-1 and by the British as the Fairchild Argus.

In British service, over 600 were delivered (as part of the Lend Lease programme) with the majority operating with the Air Transport Auxiliary ferrying RAF aircrew.

[edit] Postwar

Postwar, converted military aircraft became popular as personal transports and many survive to this day. Prices for low hour examples of the aircraft typically range between US$50,000 to US$90,000 (2006 values) and some of the most pristine examples can be seen annually at the EAA fly-in at Oshkosh Wisconsin.

[edit] Specifications (UC-61)

[edit] General characteristics

Crew: one pilot
Capacity: 3 passengers
Length: 23 ft 10 in (7.27 m)
Wingspan: 36 ft 4 in (11.08 m)
Height: 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m)
Wing area: 193 ft² (17.9 m²)
Empty: 1,813 lb (822 kg)
Loaded: lb ( kg)
Maximum takeoff: 2,882 lb (1,307 kg)
Powerplant: 1× Ranger Engine L-440-5 inline, 200 hp (149 kW) or Warner Scarab 165 hp radial.