Fletcher FL-23
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| Fletcher FL-23 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Two-seat liaison/observation aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Fletcher Aviation Corporation |
| Maiden flight | 1950 |
| Number built | 1 |
The Fletcher FL-23 was an American two-seat liaison or observation aircraft designed and built by the California-based Fletcher Aviation Corporation. It was entered into a competition and lost against the Cessna 305A as a liaison or observation aircraft for the United States Army.
[edit] Development
The FL-23 prototype was designed and built as a private venture, it was a high-wing cantilever monoplane with an all-moving tailplane mounted at the top of the fin. It had a fixed tricycle landing gear and powered a 225-hp (168 kW) Continental piston engine. It had room for a pilot and observer in tandem; the observer had an unusual acrylic plastic enclosure to give an all-round visibility.
[edit] Operational history
The US Army issued the specification for a two-seat liaison and observation monoplane and the prototype was entered into the competition. During trials the aircraft was badly damaged in a flying accident when it lost its tail, and was withdrawn from the competition. The competition was won by the Cessna 305A which became the L-19 Bird Dog.
[edit] Specifications
General characteristics
- Crew: 2 (pilot, observer)
- Length: 28 ft 4 in (8.64 m)
- Wingspan: 33 ft 4 in (10.16 m)
- Height: 8 ft 1 in (2.46 m)
- Wing area: 277 ft² (25.73 m²)
- Empty weight: 1500 lb (680 kg)
- Gross weight: 2450 lb (1111 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Continental E225 flat-six piston engine, 225 hp (168 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 133 mph (214 km/h)
- Range: 485 miles (781 km)
- Service ceiling: 19,500 ft (5945 m)
[edit] See also
Comparable aircraft
[edit] References
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