O-17 Courier

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

O-17 Courier

Consolidated O-17

Type Observation
Manufacturer Consolidated Aircraft Company
Maiden flight April 1927
Primary users United States National Guard
Royal Canadian Air Force
Produced 1928
Number built 35
Variants Consolidated PT-3

The Consolidated Model 2 Courier was an observation and training airplane used by the United States National Guard, under the designation O-17.

Contents

[edit] Development

A parallel development to the PT-3 series, the XO-17 was a converted PT-3 with such refinements as improved fuselage streamlining, oleo shock absorbers, wheel brakes, balanced elevators and increased fuel capacity[1].

Used almost exclusively as a cross country flying, gunnery, photographic and radio trainer.[2] The O-17 had a removable fairing (carring a Scarff ring mounting for one .30 cal (7.62 mm) trainable Browning machine gun.

The Royal Canadian Air Force purchased three generally similar aircraft, two Model 7 landplanes and one Model 8 floatplane, the latter with the same float gear as the NY series.

The sole XO-17A was converted from the PT-3 as a demonstrator that failed to secure any orders[2]. It was later fitted with the experimental Packard DR-980 Diesel engine of 225 hp (168 kW)[1].

The Model 15 was also an O-17 type airframe fitted with a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 engine. It too failed to win any contracts[2].

[edit] Variants

XO-17 (prototype)
Consolidated PT-3 Conversion with a 225hp Wright R-790-1 engine, streamlined fuselage, modified undercarriage, increased fuel capacity, provision for dual controls and a dorsal 0.3 in gun, one conversion[3].
O-17 Model 2 Courier
Production version for United States National Guard use, 29 built[2]
XO-17A (prototype)
One Consolidated PT-3 converted with a Wright R-790-3 engine intended for export[3].
Model 7 (RCAF landplane)
Royal Canadian Air Force, two built[2]
Model 8 (RCAF floatplane)
Royal Canadian Air Force, one built[2]
XPT-8 (demonstrator)
The airframe of the XO-17A prototype fitted with a Packard DR-980 Diesel engine of 225 hp (168 kw), scrapped in 1932[1]
Model 15 (demonstrator)
Conversion with a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 engine[2]

[edit] Operators

Flag of Canada Canada
Flag of the United States United States

[edit] Specifications (O-17)

Data from "The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft" Editors: Paul Eden & Soph Moeng, (ISBN 0-7607-3432-1), 2002, 1152 pp.

General characteristics

  • Crew: Two
  • Length: 27 ft 11 in (8.51 m)
  • Wingspan: 34 ft 5.5 in (10.5 m)
  • Height: 9 ft 9 in (2.97 m)
  • Wing area: 296 ft2 (27.5 m2)
  • Empty weight: 1,881 lb (853 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 2,723 lb (1235 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1× Wright R-790-1 radial, 225 hp (168 kW)

Performance

Armament

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c "United States Military Aircraft Since 1909" by F. G. Swanborough & Peter M. Bowers (Putnam New York, ISBN 085177816X) 1964, 596 pp.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft" cover Editors: Paul Eden & Soph Moeng, (Amber Books Ltd. Bradley's Close, 74-77 White Lion Street, London, NI 9PF, 2002, ISBN 0-7607-3432-1), 1152 pp.
  3. ^ a b Andrade, John M. U.S.Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Hinckley, England: Midland Counties Publications, 1979, ISBN 0 904597 22 9