Fairchild F-46

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


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 F-46 was the first aircraft to use the Duramold process developed by Virginius E. Clark employing heat, pressure, plastics and wood to make complex structures in less time than could be done with aluminum construction. Fairchild created its own Duramold branch to use the technology for making structures.[2]

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.[3]

Specifications (Fairchild 46)

Data from FAA TCDS

General characteristics

Performance

Avionics

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Fairchild F-46.
  1. ↑ "F-46". Retrieved 9 February 2012.
  2. ↑ Frank Woodring, Suanne Woodring. Fairchild Aircraft.
  3. ↑ "Fairchild F 46". Retrieved 9 February 2012.