Alexander Flyabout D

The Alexander Airplane Company D-1 Flyabout was an early entry into the light aircraft market by the popular biplane aircraft manufacturer.[2] The aircraft was later manufactured by Aircraft Mechanics, Inc.

Flyabout D
Role Light Monoplane
National origin United States
Manufacturer Alexander Aircraft Company, Aircraft Mechanics, Inc.
Designer Proctor Nichols
Introduction 1931 Detroit Air Show[1]

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.[3] It was the first aircraft certified under new CAA rules for aircraft under 1,000 lb (454 kg).[4]

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.[5] Test pilot Proctor Nichols later reported having flown through a tornado formation in the demonstrator returning from the Cleveland National Air Races.[6]

Variants
D-1
First outfitted with a 35 hp (26 kW) Continental engine.
D-2
Improved model with Szekely engine.[7]

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. "none". Popular Aviation: 32. June 1931.
  2. David Mondey. The complete illustrated encyclopedia of the world's aircraft.
  3. "none". Popular Aviation: 11. July 1931.
  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. "none". Popular Aviation: 35. November 1931.
  6. "none". Popular Aviation: 96. December 1931.
  7. "none". Popular Aviation: 134. December 1931.
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