Ford Model 15-P

Last updated
Ford Model 15-P
RoleLight Aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Stout Metal Airplane Division of the Ford Motor Company
First flight1935
StatusNot produced
Number built1

The Ford Model 15-P flying wing was the last aircraft developed by the Stout Metal Airplane Division of the Ford Motor Company. [1] After several flights resulting in a crash, the program was halted. Ford eventually re-entered the aviation market producing Consolidated B-24 Liberators under license from Consolidated Aircraft.

Contents

Development

A press release in Jan 1936 said that Ford was designing behind closed doors a new "flivver" using its new V-8 engine. [2]

Design

The Model 15-P was a two-passenger "flying wing" or tailless design. [3] It featured a rear-mounted Ford V-8 driving a tractor propeller with a driveshaft [3] The fuselage was steel tube with an aluminum covering and the wings were fabric-covered. [3] The landing gear was fully faired with large landing lights mounted in the fairings. [4]

Operational history

Several test flights were made by test pilot Harry Russell, but after an accident the aircraft was put in storage. [3] The aircraft was licensed by the Federal Bureau of Air Commerce in 1936, the same year Ford closed its aircraft division. The remains of the 15P were used to create a prototype autogyro, but all trace of the 15P disappeared when the autogyro was scrapped. [3]

Specifications

Data from Michigan Aircraft Manufacturers By Robert F. Pauley

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

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References

  1. "Ford, Ford-Stout". Aerofiles.com. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
  2. "Ford Licenses Experimental 'Flivver' Plane, Re-enters Competition With V-8 Engine". New York Times. Jan 13, 1936.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Pearce, William. "Ford 15P Personal Aircraft". oldmachinepress.com. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
  4. "New 'Flivver' Plane Made By Ford, Carries 2 Passengers And Baggage". The Hartford Courant. Jan 13, 1936.