Drawing - Paul Matt - Fairchild FC-1

The Fairchild FC-1 and its derivatives were a family of light, single-engine-powered, high-wing utility monoplanes produced in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. The FC-1 was originally designed to provide a camera platform for Sherman Fairchild's aerial photography and survey business, Fairchild Aerial Surveys.

Fairchild had approached a number of aircraft builders with specifications for what he considered to be an ideal aircraft for this type of work, which he hoped would replace the aircraft that his firm was then operating. Believing the quotes he received for airplane production to be excessive, Fairchild opted to produce the aircraft in-house, purchasing production facilities at Farmingdale, New York. The design was for a conventional high-wing, strut-braced monoplane with a fully enclosed cabin and tailwheel undercarriage. The wooden wings were able to be folded back against the tail for storage. To facilitate its intended role, the cabin was extensively glazed, offering plenty photographer vantage points.

The prototype FC-1 flew in June 1926. Initial testing found its original Curtiss OX-5 engine to be inadequate. A Wright J-4 with double the horsepower was soon substituted and the aircraft was then designated FC-1A. This aircraft was felt to have commercial potential, so in a slightly redesigned form, was put into production as the FC-2.

Variants

• FC-1 - prototype with Curtiss OX-5 engine (one built)
• FC-1A - prototype modified with Wright J-4 engine (one converted)

Specifications

• Crew: one pilot
• Capacity: four passengers "or" 820 lb (372 kg) freight
• Length: 31 ft 0 in. (9.45 m)
• Wingspan: 44 ft 0 in. (13.41 m)
• Height: 9 ft 0 in. (2.74 m)
• Wing area: 290 ft² (26.9 m²)
• Empty weight: 2,160 lb (980 kg)
• Gross weight: 3,600 lb (1,633 kg)
• Powerplant: Wright J-5, 200 hp (149 kW)
• Maximum airspeed: 122 mph (196 km/h)
• Range: 700 miles (1,127 km)
• Service ceiling: 11,500 ft (3,500 m)
• Rate of climb: 565 ft/min (2.9 m/s)

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