Ford Model 15-P

Ford Model 15-P
Role Light Aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Stout Metal Airplane Division of the Ford Motor Company
First flight 1935
Status Not produced
Number built 1


The Ford Model 15-P flying wing was the last aircraft developed by the Stout Metal Airplane Division of the Ford Motor Company. After several flights resulting in a crash, the program was halted. Ford eventually re-entered the aviation market producing Consolidated B-24 Liberators under license from Consolidated Aircraft.

Development

A press release in Jan 1936 said that Ford was designing behind closed doors a new "flivver" using its new V-8 engine.[1]

Design

The Model 15-P was a two passenger "flying wing" or tailless design. It featured a rearmounted Ford V-8 driving a tractor propeller with a driveshaft. The fuselage was steel tube with an aluminum covering and the wings were fabric-covered. The landing gear was fully faired with large landing lights mounted in the fairings.[2]

Operational history

Several test flights were performed. After an accident the aircraft was put in storage. The aircraft was licensed by the Federal Bureau of Air Commerce in 1936, the same year Ford closed its aircraft division.

Specifications

Data from Michigan Aircraft Manufacturers By Robert F. Pauley

General characteristics

Performance

Comparable aircraft

References

  1. ↑ "Ford Licenses Experimental 'Flivver' Plane, Re-enters Competition With V-8 Engine". New York Times. Jan 13, 1936.
  2. ↑ "New 'Flivver' Plane Made By Ford, Carries 2 Passengers And Baggage". The Hartford Courant. Jan 13, 1936.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ford aircraft.