Swallow Model C Coupé

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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]

  1. ^ "Test New Plane"
  2. ^ a b "New Type Swallow Being Tested Here"
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Grey & Bridgman 1938, p.302-03
  4. ^ Mondey 1978, p.287
  5. ^ Taylor 1989, p.851
  6. ^ a b c d e f "Treacherous Wind Blamed for Crash Fatal to Wichitan"
  7. ^ "Wichitans See New Monoplane First Time Sunday"

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.
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