Swallow New Swallow

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Swallow Airplane Swallow
Swallow J-5 NC6070 Msm of Flt BFI 17.05.89R edited-2.jpg
Swallow with Continental R-670 engine
RoleGeneral purpose biplane
National originUnited States
Manufacturer Swallow Airplane Manufacturing Co.
DesignerLloyd and Waverly Stearman and Walter Beech
First flight1924
Introduction1924
StatusExamples still in service in 2010
Number builtOver 300
Developed fromLaird-Swallow
Variants Swallow TP

The Swallow Airplane Swallow, also known as the Swallow Commercial Three-Seater [1] is an American-built general purpose biplane of the mid- to late 1920s.

Contents

Development

The Swallow Airplane Manufacturing Co was formed in 1923 to take over the business of the E.M. Laird Aviation Co. of Wichita, Kansas and set up its factory there. In 1924, the New Swallow three-seat biplane was introduced, which differed from the earlier Laird-Swallow in having a cowled engine, split axle undercarriage and single-bay wings. [2] About 50 examples were produced until the design was enhanced in 1926. The initial price was $3,500 reducing to $2,485 in late 1926.

The Swallow OX-5, designed by Waverly Stearman, was introduced in 1927 and was the first Swallow to be built under an official ATC. This used a USA-27 airfoil and cabane N-struts. The Curtiss OX-5 water-cooled engine of the New Swallow was retained. About 250 examples were built. [2]

Whilst in commercial service, many Swallows were fitted with higher powered engines including the 225 hp Wright J-5, and later the Continental R-670.

Operational history

The three-seat Swallow found ready use in the hands of small commercial firms and with the newly founded regional airlines including Varney Air Lines, who used them to carry U.S. mails on the recently created Air Mail routes. After the fitment in later years of more powerful engines, a few remain in service including an example at the Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin which is used for commercial joyriding. [3]

Variants

Swallow OX-5 Swallow photo from Aero Digest, December 1926 Swallow OX-5 Swallow right front Aero Digest December 1926.jpg
Swallow OX-5 Swallow photo from Aero Digest, December 1926
1927 Swallow N4028 1927 Swallow N4028.jpg
1927 Swallow N4028

Source : Aerofiles [2]

New Swallow
90 h.p. Curtiss OX-5, about 50 built 1924-1926
Swallow OX-5
90 h.p. Curtiss OX-5, with USA-27 airfoil and cabane N-struts, about 250 built from 1927
Swallow J-5
225 h.p. Wright J-5, fitted with metal propeller, brakes, larger fuel tank and custom paint. Unknown number built and modified from 1928.
Hisso Swallow
150 hp Hisso A, unknown numbers built from 1928.

Specifications (New Swallow)

Data from Aerofiles

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

(partial listing, only covers most numerous types)

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References

Notes

  1. Taylor 1989, p.851
  2. 1 2 3 Aerofiles
  3. Ogden, page 561

Bibliography