Consolidated Y1C-11

The Consolidated Y1C-11 Fleetster was a single example of the commercial Model 17 Fleetster passenger aircraft used as a VIP transport by the USAAC.

The Model 17 Fleetster was a high wing monoplane transport with a wooden wing and metal monocoque fuselage. The wing was carried at the top of the fuselage, was level, and tapered gently towards its rounded tips. The Fleetster could carry six passengers in its main cabin, which was located below the wing, and either a seventh passenger or radio equipment in the pilot's enclosed cockpit, at the front of the wing. There was also a cargo compartment behind the passenger cabin. The standard Model 17-1 was powered by a 575hp Pratt & Whitney R-1860-1 Hornet B engine, and had a cruising speed of 150mph.

After examining the Consolidated demonstration machine, the USAAC decided to order a single Fleetster, giving it the designation Y1C-11 (31-380). This aircraft was eventually powered by a Wright R-1820-1 engine, which also provided 575hp, but was considered to be more reliable than the Hornet. This aircraft was generally piloted by Captain Ira C. Eaker, and was used as a transport by the Air Corps Chief of Staff Major General James E. Fechet and the Assistant Secretary of War for Aviation F. Trubee Davison.

The Y1C-11 was considered to be successful enough to encourage the Army to order three more Fleetsters, this time based on the Model 17-2, and give the designation Y1C-22. The Navy also ordered one example of the Fleetster, the Model 18 XBY-1, but this was written off in a crash in 1933 and the type wasn't ordered into production.

Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-1860-1 Hornet B then Wright R-1820-1
Power: 575hp
Crew: 2
Span: 45ft
Length: 31ft 9in
Height: 9ft 2in
Empty Weight: 3,326lb
Gross Weight: 5,300lb
Maximum Speed:
Cruising Speed: 153mph
Climb rate:
Ceiling: 17,900ft
Range: 750 miles
Payload: 1,114lb or 6 passengers

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How to cite this article: Rickard, J (25 August 2017), Consolidated Y1C-11 , http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_consolidated_Y1C-11.html

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