Swallow Model C Coupé
| Model C Coupé | |
|---|---|
| Role | General purpose monoplane |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Swallow Aircraft Company |
| Designer | E. B. Christopher[1] |
| First flight | January 1936[2] |
The Swallow Model C Coupé is an American-built general-purpose high-wing monoplane of the mid 1930s.[3][4][5] E. B. Christopher, Swallow Aircraft Company president and designer of the Model C, was killed in the crash of an early example that he was flying.[6]
Design and development
[edit]The Model C is a high-wing, strut-braced monoplane of conventional configuration with an enclosed cabin and fixed tailwheel undercarriage.[3] Seating is provided for the pilot and one passenger, side-by-side, and the cabin is equipped with dual controls.[3] Power is supplied by a Menasco C-4 air-cooled inverted inline engine, driving a two-bladed propeller.[3]
The fuselage and tail is built from welded steel tube, covered in fabric.[3] The wing is of mixed wood and metal construction, also covered in fabric.[3] Long V-struts braced the wings to the lower longeron of the fuselage.[3]
Operational history
[edit]The Model C first flew in January 1936.[2] In April 1937, Swallow company president E. B. Christopher, who had designed the aircraft, exhibited an example at an air show in Los Angeles.[6] On April 9, he departed with it, heading to San Francisco with a single passenger aboard, investment broker E. A. Grumm.[6] Grumm was reportedly interested in arranging finance for Swallow to manufacture the Model C.[6] According to witnesses, the aircraft was struggling against a headwind as it attempted to navigate Tejon Pass at less than 100 ft (30 m) altitude.[6] A sudden downdraft blew the aircraft into a ridge, wrecking it and killing both men instantly.[6]
Following the tragedy, Swallow's new president, Sam Bloomfied, still intended marketing the Model C as late as September 1937.[7]
Specifications
[edit]Data from Grey & Bridgman 1938, p.303
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 1 passenger
- Length: 24 ft 4 in (7.42 m)
- Wingspan: 36 ft 8 in (11.18 m)
- Height: 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m)
- Wing area: 189 sq ft (17.6 m2)
- Empty weight: 1,350 lb (612 kg)
- Gross weight: 1,980 lb (898 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Menasco C-4 4-cylinder, air-cooled inverted inline piston, 125 hp (93 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 145 mph (233 km/h, 126 kn)
- Cruise speed: 135 mph (217 km/h, 117 kn)
- Range: 450 mi (720 km, 390 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 21,000 ft (6,400 m)
- Rate of climb: 850 ft/min (4.3 m/s) (initial)
- Wing loading: 15.8 lb/sq ft (77 kg/m2)
References
[edit]Bibliography
[edit]- Grey, C. G.; Bridgman, Leonard (1938). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938. London: Sampson Low, Marston.
- Mondey, David (1978). The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of the World's Aircraft. Secaucus, New Jersey: Chartwell Books.
- "New Type Swallow Being Tested Here". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita. February 2, 1936. p. 3.
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions.
- "Test New Plane". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita. March 2, 1936. p. 3.
- "Treacherous Wind Blamed for Crash Fatal to Wichitan". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita. April 10, 1937. p. 5.
- "Wichitans See New Monoplane First Time Sunday". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita. September 27, 1937. p. 5.