Fleet Finch. A photo. Characteristics

Canada

A type: single-engine biplane trainer

Crew: Two pilots are arranged one behind the other

Aircraft model 16 «Finch» (Model 16 Finch) of "Fleet» (Fleet - Finch) had advanced the development of the original aircraft initial training "Consolidated" "Fleet» (Consolidated Fleet), production of which in Canada was started by "Fleet Aircraft" ( Fleet Aircraft) in 1930 year. Its origins can be traced to the then president of the company "Consolidated Fleet» (Consolidated Fleet) Major Ruben X. Fleet (Reuben H. Fleet), who believed that the civilian market in North America, there is a gap in terms of basic training aircraft.

Nevertheless, having a proven first prototype, the management of the company Consolidated decided not to enter the field of light aviation. Then the major decided to create a company "Fleet Aircraft" and build this training aircraft independently. Six months later, the company Consolidated, however, again changed its mind and bought the company Fleet back, fully preparing the production of a training aircraft in Canada. Sold in small quantities in the 1930-ies on both sides of the border, the 10 model was finally tested in September 1938 by the Royal Canadian Air Force.

By results of tests the Air Forces have defined, that it is necessary to strengthen a design to allow the plane equipped with all military equipment, to carry out figures of pilotage. Known under the designation model 16 and baptized in the operation of the Royal Canadian Air Force by the name "Finch", the I aircraft was built during the period from 1939 to 1941 year in the number of 606 copies - this figure includes a later modification of the Mk II with a closed cabin. This training aircraft remained in operation for the Royal Air Force of Canada until 1947, and a number of aircraft were subsequently used in civilian flight schools until the end of the 1950-ies. Several copies survived in a state of airworthiness to the present day.

Basic data

Dimensions:

• Length: 6,6 m
• Wingspan: 8,53 m
• Height: 2,36 m

The weight:

• BLANK: 509 kg
• Maximum take-off: 908 kg

Aircraft performance characteristics:

• Maximum speed: 167,3 km / h
• Flight range: 512 km (320 miles)
• The power plant, "Kinnear» (Kinner) In-5
• Power: 125 l. from. (93,25 kW)

Date of first flight: September 1938 years

On right: The plane "Finch" with tail number N16BR based at the airport in Midland, Texas, next to other more like war machines, operated Confederate Air Force.

The surviving airworthy modifications: "Flit" 16V and 16R

warplanes

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