FBA 290
Franco-British Aviation · France · first flew 1931 · light aircraft
The Franco-British Aviation Model 290 was a French four-seat amphibian flying boat built by the Franco-British Aviation Company (FBA).
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.47 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Biplane amphibian flying boat
- Single radial engine driving a pusher propeller
- Room for four persons in the forward part of the hull
Look for a small biplane amphibian flying boat with a single radial engine driving a pusher propeller.
Specifications
- The FBA 290 has a length of 9.47 m (31 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.1 m (43 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 176 km/h (109 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
FBA designed it as a successor to the Model 17 in the liaison and training role, using experience gained with the Models 270 and 271. The Model 290 flew for the first time in April 1931 powered by a 300 hp Lorraine engine.
Variants
The Model 290 was the Lorraine 9Na radial prototype, and the Model 291 was a prototype with a Gnome-Rhône 7Kb radial. The French Navy aircraft were the Model 293 (Lorraine, six built) and the Model 294 (Gnome-Rhône, two built).
Where you'll see it
The French Navy ordered eight aircraft based on the Model 291 as VIP transports. They were used as executive transports and based at the major French naval air stations.
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- FBA Type 310
- FBA 21
- FBA 19
- FBA 13
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- Berliner-Joyce OJ-2
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