Manufacturer Swallow Airplane Company | ||
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The Swallow Airplane Swallow 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. 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 an 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.
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 fitment of more powerful engines, a few remained in service including on at the Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin which is used for joyriding.
Variants
Source : Aerofiles
Specifications (New Swallow)
Data from Aerofiles
General characteristics
Performance