| O-17 Courier | |
|---|---|
 | |
| A Maryland Air National Guard Consolidated O-17 | |
| Role | Observation |
| Manufacturer | Consolidated Aircraft Company |
| First flight | April 1927 |
| Primary users | United States National Guard Royal Canadian Air Force |
| Produced | 1928 |
| Number built | 35 |
| Developed from | Consolidated PT-3 |
The Consolidated O-17 Courier (company designation Model 2) was an observation and training aircraft used by the United States National Guard.
A parallel development to the Consolidated PT-3 series, the XO-17 was a converted PT-3 with such refinements as improved fuselage streamlining, oleo shock absorbers, wheel brakes, balanced elevators and increased fuel capacity. [1]
It was used almost exclusively as a cross-country flying, gunnery, photographic and radio trainer. [2] The O-17 had a removable fairing (carrying a Scarff ring mounting for one .30 cal (7.62 mm) trainable Browning machine gun}.
The Royal Canadian Air Force purchased three generally similar aircraft, two Model 7 landplanes and one Model 8 floatplane, the latter with the same float gear as the NY series.
The sole XO-17A was converted from the PT-3 as a demonstrator that failed to secure any orders. [2] It was later fitted with the experimental Packard DR-980 Diesel engine of 225 hp (168 kW). [1]
The Model 15 was also an O-17 type airframe fitted with a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 engine. It too failed to win any contracts. [2]
Canada 
United States 
Data from Eden & Moeng (2002) [2]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
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