Fairchild FB-3

FB-3
Role	Flying boat
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Fairchild Metal Boat Division
Introduction	1929
Number built	1

The Fairchild FB-3 (Flying Boat number 3) was an all-metal flying boat developed by the new Fairchild Metal Boat Division of the Fairchild Aircraft Corporation. The aircraft did not go into production.^[1]

Design and development

The prototype was built at Fairchild's Farmingdale, Long Island facility.^[2] The FB-3 was an amphibious high-wing strut-braced monoplane with retractable landing gear, powered by a high pylon-mounted pusher configuration radial engine. The two-step hull provided flotation with two outboard floats for stability. The wings had metal spars and ribs with fabric covering. The interior was well finished for its time.^[3]

Operational history

The prototype aircraft (NX7385) was test flown in 1929 but did go into production.^[4]

Specifications (Fairchild FB-3)

Data from Fairchild Aircraft

General characteristics

Crew: one
Capacity: four
Length: 41 ft (12 m)
Wingspan: 52 ft (16 m)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp Radial, 420 hp (310 kW)

Performance

Maximum speed: 110 kn (130 mph, 210 km/h)
Cruise speed: 100 kn (115 mph, 185 km/h)
Range: 560 nmi (650 mi, 1,050 km)

References

^ Joshua Stoff. Long Island Aircraft Manufacturers.
^ "Smithsonian Fairchild Records" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 March 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2012.
^ Frank Woodring, Suanne Woodring. Fairchild Aircraft.
^ E. R. Johnson. American flying boats and amphibious aircraft: an illustrated history.

External links

Photo of FB-3
Photo of FB-3 Profile
Photo of FB-3 on Water
Photo of FB-3

[1] Joshua Stoff. Long Island Aircraft Manufacturers.

[2] "Smithsonian Fairchild Records" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 March 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2012.

[3] Frank Woodring, Suanne Woodring. Fairchild Aircraft.

[4] E. R. Johnson. American flying boats and amphibious aircraft: an illustrated history.