Fletcher FL-23

Last updated
Fletcher FL-23
RoleTwo-seat liaison/observation aircraft
Manufacturer Fletcher Aviation Corporation
First flight 1950
Number built1

The Fletcher FL-23 was an American two-seat liaison or observation aircraft designed and built by the California-based Fletcher Aviation Corporation. It was entered into a competition and lost against the Cessna 305A as a liaison or observation aircraft for the United States Army.

Contents

Development

The FL-23 prototype was designed and built as a private venture, it was a high-wing cantilever monoplane with an all-moving tailplane mounted at the top of the fin. It had a fixed tricycle landing gear and powered a 225-hp (168 kW) Continental E225 piston engine. It had room for a pilot and observer in tandem; the observer had an unusual acrylic plastic enclosure to give an all-round visibility.

Operational history

The US Army issued the specification for a two-seat liaison and observation monoplane and the prototype was entered into the competition. During trials the aircraft was badly damaged in a flying accident when it lost its tail, and was withdrawn from the competition. The competition was won by the Cessna 305A which became the L-19 Bird Dog.

Specifications

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1951–52 [1]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

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References

  1. Bridgman 1951, p. 239c–240c.