Fairchild FC-2

Fairchild · United States · first flew 1927 · transport aircraft

The Fairchild FC-2 was an American high-wing cabin monoplane of the late 1920s notable for its folding wings, which allowed easy hangar storage and shipboard transport. It was used by early bush operators and airlines in North and South America.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	9.45 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

High-wing cabin monoplane with large folding wings for transport
Single radial engine in exposed nose mount
Enclosed cabin seating for pilot and up to four passengers

Recognized by its high wing with folding-panel capability, large rectangular cabin windows, a radial engine in an open mount, and wide fixed undercarriage; the folding wing hinge is visible at mid-span.

Specifications

The Fairchild FC-2 has a length of 9.45 m (31 ft).
It has a wingspan of 13.41 m (44 ft).
Its maximum speed is 193 km/h (120 mph).
Typical crew: 1+4.

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

History

Designed by Sherman Fairchild and first flown in 1927, the FC-2 was built in the United States and also by Canadian Vickers under licence. Pan American Airways used the type on early airmail and passenger routes in Latin America, and it became a staple of bush flying in Canada and Alaska.

Variants

The FC-2W featured wider-track undercarriage and float options; the FC-2 was also produced as the Canadian Vickers-built variant.

Where you'll see it

Operated by Pan American, early Canadian bush operators, and several South American airlines through the late 1920s and early 1930s.

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