Fletcher FD-25 Defender
Fletcher Aviation · United States · first flew 1953 · light aircraft
The Fletcher FD-25 Defender was a light American utility aircraft designed for liaison, observation, and agricultural spraying duties. It combined a low-wing layout with a large bubble canopy for excellent visibility.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.38 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- US light utility and agricultural monoplane
- Single radial or flat engine in nose
- Low-wing design with bubble canopy
A clean low-wing monoplane with a prominent bubble canopy and a radial or horizontally-opposed engine in the nose; fixed conventional undercarriage with a tailwheel.
Specifications
- The Fletcher FD-25 Defender has a length of 6.38 m (21 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.14 m (30 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 301 km/h (187 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by Fletcher Aviation Corporation in California in the early 1950s, the FD-25 was marketed for military liaison and civilian agricultural roles. It attracted interest from various operators but was not built in large numbers.
Variants
Agricultural and liaison variants were proposed; very few completed.
Where you'll see it
Limited private and utility service in the United States.
Related aircraft
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