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Alexander Flyabout D

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1931 aircraft by Alexander Airplane Company
Flyabout D
Role Light MonoplaneType of aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Alexander Aircraft Company, Aircraft Mechanics, Inc.
Designer Proctor Nichols
Introduction 1931 Detroit Air Show

The Alexander Airplane Company D-1 Flyabout was an early entry into the light aircraft market by the popular biplane aircraft manufacturer. The aircraft was later manufactured by Aircraft Mechanics, Inc.

Design

The D-1 was a conventional landing geared high winged monoplane with side-by-side seating powered by a 35 hp (26 kW) Continental engine, with a firewall-mounted fuel tank. The cabin featured doors on both sides of the aircraft. It was the first aircraft certified under new CAA rules for aircraft under 1,000 lb (454 kg).

Operational history

The prototype's capabilities were demonstrated by flying up to 15,000 ft (4,572 m) above Pikes Peak with the 38 hp (28 kW) model. Test pilot Proctor Nichols later reported having flown through a tornado formation in the demonstrator returning from the Cleveland National Air Races.

Variants

D-1
First outfitted with a 35 hp (26 kW) Continental engine.
D-2
Improved model with Szekely engine.

Specifications (Flyabout D-1)

Data from Popular Aviation

General characteristics

  • Capacity: 2
  • Length: 21 ft 4 in (6.50 m)
  • Wingspan: 37 ft 2 in (11.33 m)
  • Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
  • Empty weight: 536.5 lb (243 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 8 U.S. gallons (30 L; 6.7 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × continental horizontally opposed piston, 35 hp (26 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 74 kn (85 mph, 137 km/h)
  • Cruise speed: 65 kn (75 mph, 121 km/h)
  • Stall speed: 30 kn (34 mph, 55 km/h)
  • Range: 152 nmi (175 mi, 282 km)
  • Rate of climb: 650 ft/min (3.3 m/s)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. Popular Aviation: 32. June 1931.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  2. David Mondey. The complete illustrated encyclopedia of the world's aircraft.
  3. Popular Aviation: 11. July 1931.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  4. Aerospace Industries Association of America; Manufacturers Aircraft Association; Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce of America (1932). Aircraft year book, Volume 14. American Aviation Publications.
  5. Popular Aviation: 35. November 1931.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  6. Popular Aviation: 96. December 1931.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  7. Popular Aviation: 134. December 1931.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)

External links

Alexander aircraft
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