Fairchild 24

Fairchild · United States · first flew 1932 · light aircraft

The Fairchild 24 was a popular American high-wing light monoplane of the 1930s and 1940s, widely used for private flying, military liaison, and communications duties.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	7.27 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Strut-braced high-wing monoplane with wide enclosed cabin seating three
Characteristic wide-track fixed undercarriage with large teardrop fairings
Long cabin windows and side-by-side front seating with rear bench

The wide teardrop wheel fairings, broad high wing with single jury-strut bracing, and wide enclosed cabin with large windows are immediately distinctive features.

Specifications

The Fairchild 24 has a length of 7.27 m (24 ft).
It has a wingspan of 11.08 m (36 ft).
Its maximum speed is 209 km/h (130 mph).
Typical crew: 1 pilot + 2-3 passengers.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1932, the Fairchild 24 evolved through numerous variants over the following decade. It became one of the most successful American light aircraft of its era, used by civilians, the US Army Air Forces as the UC-61 Argus, and the US Navy. Large numbers were also supplied to the RAF and Commonwealth air forces under Lend-Lease.

Variants

Many variants were produced, including the 24C, 24R (with radial engine), and military UC-61 and Argus designations; total production ran to over 1,600 aircraft.

Where you'll see it

Used by the USAAF as the UC-61 and by the RAF and Commonwealth as the Argus in World War II; widely flown by private owners in the USA from the 1930s onward.

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