Unless noted, aircraft have fixed (non-retractable) landing gear. Red text indicates fictional, modified, or experimental never-produced aircraft.

Aeronca C-2 Scout

•     high-wing single-seat monoplane, engine 29 HP Aeronca, cruise 65 mph, maximum speed 80 mph, range 240 miles, span 29', length 20', useful load 274 lbs.. Introduced 1929, cost $1,245 - about the cheapest new airplane anyone can buy. You can spend a couple hundred dollars more to have it mounted on floats as a PC-2; a VERY cramped two-seater is also available. The C-3 Collegian of 1931 is pretty similar, with slightly better performance at $1895: 36 HP engine, 75 mph cruise, 300 mile range, and "true" two-seater fuselage; and again available on floats, as the PC-3.

ANT-23/I-12

•     twin-boom fighter plane, pilot only; two Bristol Jupiter radial engines of 525 HP (one pusher, one tractor); top speed 180 mph, range 320 miles, ceiling 20,000'; span 50' 10", length 31', maximum weight 5300 lbs.; armament two DRP/APK 76mm recoilless cannon (5 rounds each) mounted in, or rather forming, the tail booms. The pilot cannot bail out if the pusher propellor, behind him, is turning; a future development is planned with a "catapult" seat to allow pilots to escape. Being developed at the Tupolev OKB, for the Soviet Air Force.

Armstrong-Whitworth Argosy II

•     biplane transport, 2 pilots + 20 passengers; three uncowled Armstrong Siddely Jaguar IVa engines (of 420 HP each); cruise speed 90 mph, top speed 110 mph, range 525 miles; span 90', length 67', weight 12,000 lbs. empty, 19,000 lbs. loaded; used by Imperial Airways since 1926 (and to be taken out of service in 1934), cost $109,000.

Armstrong-Whitworth AW.15 Atalanta

•     high-wing monoplane transport, 2 pilots, engineer + 9 passengers + 1600 lbs. of mail (though a version with less space for mail could seat 17 passengers); four Armstrong Siddeley Serval III radial engines of 340 HP; cruise speed 130 mph, maximum speed 156 mph, range 640 miles, ceiling 14,200', maximum weight 21,000 lbs., empty weight 14,000 lbs.; span 90', length 71' 6". Began service in 1932 with Imperial Airways and Indian Trans-Continental Airways, now on various routes in Africa (Egypt to Cape Town, via Kenya), and from Karachi to Calcutta (from 6 July 1933), Rangoon (from 23 September 1933), and to Singapore (starting on 9 December 1933).

Avro Ten

•     high wing monoplane trimotor transport, 2 crew + 10-20 passengers; in use by QANTAS

Barnes BF-6A "Stormer"

•     high-wing amphibian fighter, pilot + radio operator/copilot, both carried in a pressurized cabin; two Barnes V-12 supercharged diesels (1500 HP each) on coaxial shafts, driving counter-rotating props; top speed nearly 300 mph, range probably under 300 miles, ceiling 30,000'; wing span 47' 8", length 35' 10" (with floats retracted); armament two .50 cal machine guns, and 37mm automatic cannon firing through propellor shaft (copilot loads 5 round clips into the 37mm gun). Retractable floats and wheels, radio and radio-direction-finder; first example constructed in 1933, several examples of this fictional aircraft soon show up in the hands of mercenaries and criminals; probably cost over $50,000 to build.

Barnes BT-4

•     monoplane amphibian, crew 10 (2 pilots, fighter pilot, 4 gunners, steward/loader, navigator/radio operator/bombardier, and an engineer); engines two Barnes V-12 supercharged diesels (1500 HP each); cruise 160 mph, max 180 mph, ceiling 11,000', range 2000 miles; span 143', length 124' , weight 15 tons. Landing gear consists of a pair of amphibious floats equipped with dual wheels. The fuselage measures 20 ft. across at its widest point and contains a hangar for a parasite fighter, a very complete set of radio equipment including a direction finder, an all-electric galley, sleeping quarters for the crew, toilets and a shower. Rifle-caliber machine guns are mounted in the nose, tail and ventral gun positions; the top turret mounts a 37mm automatic cannon (the COW gun, fed by 5 round clips). Small bomb bays can dispense "several" 50 lb. bombs, and larger bomb racks (or extra fuel tanks) can be fitted into the hangar bay (in place of the 2000 lb. "Eaglet" fighter). Cost well in excess of $500,000, and of course fictional.

Barnes "Eaglet"

•     high-wing monoplane amphibian fighter, pilot in enclosed (and very cramped) cockpit; engine Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp radial of 830 HP; wingspan about 28', length 23' 6" with floats retracted, weight about 2000 lbs.; variable-pitch propellor, retractable floats with semi-enclosed wheels, folding wings, armament unknown but probably 1 or 2 rifle-caliber machine guns; this small fictional aircraft is used as a "parasite fighter" for the Barnes BT-4, and for other Barnes aircraft. Probably cost about $30,000 to build.

Beechcraft Model B17 "Staggerwing"

•     low-wing monoplane, pilot + 4 passengers and 125 lbs of luggage; engine Jacobs L-4 radial (225 HP); cruise speed 175 mph, top speed 190 mph, ceiling 25,000', range 680 miles on 50 gallon fuel tank (120 gallon tank optional, for 1700 mile range); span 32', length 26' 10", empty weight 2540 lbs., maximum weight 4250 lbs.; retractable landing gear, simple radio equipment. The version described costs $8,550, but more powerful engine options are available, with total costs up to $17,000 for various circa-500 HP, 250 mph versions (and even more from 1937). Becomes a popular executive transport after its introduction in March of 1934.

Bellanca W.B.2

•     high-wing cabin monoplane, 2 pilots + 4 passengers; engine Wright Whirlwind J-5 radial (220 HP); cruise 105 mph, ceiling 13,000'; span 46', length 27', weight 5400 lbs.; a modified W.B.2 flew about 4,000 miles in 1927 (with extra fuel tanks replacing the passengers), from New York to Eisleben (near Berlin).

Bellanca Skyrocket

•     high-wing cagin monoplane, 2 pilots + 4 passengers; engine P&W Wasp radial of 550 HP; cruise speed 150 mph, top speed 175 mph, landing speed 60 mph, ceiling about 18,000', range 1000 miles. Span 47' 6", length 27' 11", can carry about 2000 lbs. of pilots, cargo, passengers and fuel. Price $18,000 (landplane) or $20,000 (floatplane). By cramming in the maximum fuel, with only two pilots, the first trans-Pacific flight of 4500 miles was made in 1931, in a previous version of the Skyrocket -- Bellanca has made improved models every year, this is an early 1934 version.

Bf-108

•     low wing monoplane, pilot + 1 passenger/copilot; Hirth V8 (250 HP); top speed 196 mph, range (fully loaded) 870 miles, ceiling 16,400'; span 24' 10", length 27' 3"; empty weight 1940 lbs., maximum weight 3000 lbs.. Flush-riveted skin, leading and trailing edge slats, retractable landing gear, extremely maneuverable. Construction of first prototype began October, 1933; six prototypes for testing will be provided to the Luftwaffe between February and June, 1934. Predecessor of the Messerschmidt Bf-109 fighter.

Boeing Model 40A

•     single engine biplane, pilot (in open cockpit) + 2 or 4 passengers (in cabin); P&W Hornet radial engine of 525 HP; cruise speed 115 mph, top speed 138 mph, range 650 miles, ceiling 15,100'; span 44' 2", length 33' 5", weight empty 3809 lbs., maximum weight 6080 lbs., max 1,200 lbs. of 'non-pilot, non-fuel' cargo. Equipped with radio and electric starter. Cost $24,500.

Boeing Model 80A

•     trimotor biplane, 2 or 3 crew + 18 passengers; three P&W Hornet radial engines of 525 HP; span 80', length 57', empty weight 10,582 lbs., maximum weight 17,500 lbs.; cruise 110 mph, top speed 138mph, range 500 miles, ceiling 14,000'. Introduced August 1928, cost $75,000. An unsold military variant can carry 1800 lbs. of bombs.

Boeing Model 200 Monomail

•     low wing monoplane, pilot only; P&W Hornet radial engine of 575 HP; cruise speed 135 mph, top speed 158 mph, range 600 miles, ceiling 14,000'. Span 59' 1", length 41' 2", weight empty 4626 lbs., maximum weight 8000 lbs., cargo weight 2300 lbs.; semi-enclosed cockpit, all-metal construction, semi-retractable landing gear, radio, electric starter; introduced in May 1930 initially for mail and cargo only. An un-sold bomber variant can carry 750 lbs of bombs.

Boeing Model 201

•     low wing monoplane, pilot + 6 passengers; P&W Hornet radial engine of 575 HP; cruise speed 135 mph, top speed 158 mph, range 600 miles, ceiling 14,000'. Span 59' 1", length 41' 2", weight empty 4700 lbs., maximum weight 8000 lbs., cargo weight 1100 lbs.; semi-enclosed cockpit, all-metal construction, semi-retractable landing gear, radio, electric starter; introduced in August of 1930 as a variant of the Monomail.

Boeing Model 247A

•     monoplane transport with retractable landing gear, 2 crew + 10 passengers or 4800 lbs. of cargo; two P&W Twin Wasp radials of 625 HP each; top speed 200 mph, cruise speed 170 mph, landing speed 62 mph, ceiling 25,400', range 750 miles (more with 4 extra wing tanks, even more with 2 large fuselage tanks); introduced Spring of 1933, airliner costs $50,000, VIP version detailed is $75,000. A couple of bomber/attack/VIP transport versions will be sold to the Nationalist Chinese.

Boeing Sport Pursuit

•     biplane fighter, pilot only; engine P&W Wasp radial of 420 HP; span 30' 1", length 20' 1", empty weight 1882 lbs., maximum weight 2700 lbs.; cruise speed 140 mph, top speed 170 mph, range 550 miles, ceiling 24,000'. Armament to suit purchaser, but usually two rifle-caliber MG; cost $20,000.

Boeing P-12E

•     biplane fighter, pilot only; P&W R-1340 radial engine of 500 HP; cruise 160 mph, top speed 189 mph, ceiling 31,400', range 585 miles; span 30', length 20' 5", weight empty 2014 lbs., gross weight 2701 lbs.; armament two .30 cal MG + 332 lbs. of bombs. Over 360 of these aircraft have been purchased since 1929 by the Army Air Corps, by far the most numerous pursuit planes in the AAC. The Navy uses the F4B, very similar except for substituting a .50 cal MG for one of the .30 cal MG (and of course naval fittings such as a tail hook). A 55 gallon external fuel tank will double the range. Cost about $18,000; also sold to Brazil, Siam, and China in small numbers, plus half a dozen made for civilians (including Howard Hughes).

Boeing P-26 "Peashooter"

•     low-wing monoplane fighter, pilot only; one P&W R-1340 radial engine of 600 HP, cruise 200 mph, max speed 235 mph, ceiling 31,000', range 635 miles; span 28', length 23' 7", weight empty 2200 lbs., max weight 3000 lbs.. Armament two .30 cal MG + 200 lbs. of bombs; 136 of these new fighters were ordered in January of 1933 for the Army Air Corps; except for 3 prototypes, deliveries will begin in December of 1933. All-metal construction, fitted with flaps and a radio. Cost $10,000; served with several other countries, most notably in China.

Bristol Bulldog Mk IIA

•     biplane fighter, pilot only; Bristol Jupiter VIIF radial engine of 440 HP; top speed 178 mph, range 310 miles, ceiling 27,000'; span 33' 11", length 25' 2", empty weight 2222 lbs., maximum weight 3660 lbs.; armament two .303 MG + up to four 20 lb. bombs. Entered service with the RAF in 1928, and being replaced with Hawker Fury, Gloster Gauntlet, and Hawker Demon aircraft. Cost about $15,000, the Bulldog has been sold to many countries.

Cheranovsky BICh-17

•     tailless parabolic wing fighter, pilot only; M-22 radial engine of 480 HP; top speed 130 mph, range 300 miles, ceiling 20,000'; span 40', length 16' 5", empty weight 2000 lbs., maximum weight 2500 lbs.; armament two Kurchevsky APK 80mm recoilless cannon (5 rounds each); radio and retractable landing gear. Designed by Boris I. Cheranovsky for the Soviet Air Force, still in experimental status (speed, range and weight are conjectural).

Cierva PCA-2

•     single engine autogyro, pilot + 2 passengers; 300 HP Wright R-975 radial engine; top speed 123 mph, climb rate 1,000 feet per minute, ceiling 18,000 feet; first exhibited in America in August, 1929 at the Cleveland Air Races. Cost (est.) $8,000, produced in America as "Pitcairn-Cierva."

Consolidated Commodore 16 Type 1

•     monoplane flying boat, 3 crew (pilots in open cockpits) + 25 passengers; two P&W Hornet radial engines (575 HP each); cruise speed 108 mph, top speed 128 mph, ceiling 10,000', range 1,000 miles; span 100', length 61' 6", empty weight 10,550 lbs., maximum weight 17,600 lbs.. The latest thing in commercial flying boats; the Type 2 carries 32 passengers and less cargo; also in use by the U.S. Navy as the PY-1 patrol plane (with an enclosed cockpit), whose larger fuel tank allows a range of 2,400 miles. This plane is the direct ancestor of the famous PBY 'Catalina.' Cost $125,000.

Consolidated Model 17 Fleetster

•     parasol wing cabin monoplane, 1 pilot + 5 passengers; P&W Hornet radial engine of 575 HP; cruise speed 150 mph, top speed 175 mph, range 750 miles, ceiling 19,000'; span 45', length 32', empty weight 3326 lbs, maximum weight 5300 lbs.; prototype first flown in 1929, introduced 1930. "The first was an order for a private owner in [early] 1930, designated 17-2C and had a different engine." Cost $27,500.

Consolidated P2Y-3 Ranger

•     sesquiplane flying boat based on the Commodore design, 2 pilots, navigator/radio operator, engineer; two Wright R-1820-90 Cyclone radial engines (750 HP each); top speed 139 mph, ceiling 16,000', range 1200 miles; span 100', length 62', weight 10 tons. The latest patrol plane of the US Navy, it can carry 2000 lbs of bombs; or, by adding fuel tanks instead of bombs, the range can be increased to about 2000 miles. Cost about $100,000.

Couzinet 70

•     low-wing monoplane trimotor, 4 crew as mailplane; three Hispano-Suiza 12Nb engines (liquid cooled, 650 HP each); max 174 mph, cruise 147 mph, range 4,225 miles; span 98', length 53', weight 18.5 tons including 1322 lbs. of cargo; will be used by France to establish long-range mail services in 1933 (as Arc-en-ciel ), cost $40,000.

Curtiss BFC-2

•     biplane fighter-bomber, pilot only; Wright R-1820 radial engine of 700 HP; cruise speed 160 mph, top speed 202 mph, range 522 miles, ceiling 25,100'; empty weight 3037 lbs., maximum weight 4132 lbs.; armament two .30 MG + 500 lbs. of bombs. Sold (under the name "Hawk II" and "Hawk III") to several foreign governments (including China, Siam, Argentina, and Turkey), in addition to serving aboard American aircraft carriers. Cost about $25,000.

Curtiss JN-4

•     biplane, 2 pilots in open cockpits; engine Curtiss OX-5 or Hispano-Suiza A; max 75 mph (OX-5 engine) or 80 mph (Hispano-Suiza engine), climb or glide speed 55 mph, cruise speed 63 mph, stall speed 40-45 mph, ceiling 8,000' (OX-5) to 11,000' (H-S), climb rate 300' per minute, range 250 miles; span 44', length 27', weight 2150 lbs.; carries 21 gallons gasoline, 4 gallons oil; instruments are: tachometer, oil gauge, gas gauge, radiator thermometer, airspeed indicator, compass; built 1916-1918, surplus Jennys in flyable condition are getting rare, and go for about $600; also, in 1928 new safety regulations made their operation illegal without extensive modifications and improvements (such as more instruments, etc.). This plane can take off or land in about 200'. For barnstorming, sturdier landing gear, and a two place front cockpit, are often fitted.

Curtiss C-1 Robin

•     high-wing monoplane, pilot + 2 passengers in enclosed cabin; engine Lycoming R-680 9-cylinder radial, 225 HP; climb 1,000' per minute at 60 mph, cruise at 85 mph, max speed 105 mph, ceiling 20,000', takeoff in about 300', range 510 miles (at 7,500' altitude); span 41', length 26', empty weight 1,576 lbs., max gross weight 2,440 lbs., and 400 lbs. cargo with pilot + 50 gallons gas; cost $6,000; introduced about 1927. A very popular rum-running aircraft, many options are available (floats, different engines, extra instruments or fuel tanks, etc.).

Curtiss Kingbird D-2

•     high-wing monoplane, pilot + 7 passengers; engines two Wright Whirlwind radials of 300 HP; cruise speed 123 mph, top speed 145 mph, range 378 miles, ceiling 19,700'; span 54' 6", length 34' 10", empty weight 3850 lbs., maximum weight 6115 lbs., passengers + cargo can equal up to 1190 lbs.. Fitted with lavatory, cabin heater, electric starters; cost $27,500.

Curtiss AT-32 Condor

•     biplane transport, 2 crew + 14 passengers (or 5700 lbs. of cargo as a freighter); two Wright Cyclone radials of 720 HP each, with variable-pitch propellors; top speed 180 mph, cruising speed 160 mph, landing speed 62 mph, ceiling 23000', range 800 miles; span 91' 8", length 57' 6", empty weight 11,574 lbs., maximum weight 17,900 lbs.. Introduced in the Spring of 1933 in service with American Airways and Eastern Air Transport, cost $55,000 to $63,000 (a version introduced in 1931 used Curtiss Conqueror V12 600 HP engines). A specially-fitted version has been built for Byrd's Antarctic Expedition, with an additional 1100 gallon fuel tank in the fuselage, and the ability to be fitted with floats or skis in place of the usual wheels. In addition, military versions are being developed; they will serve with the U.S. Navy, and the Argentinean, Chinese and Columbian militaries.

Curtiss P-6E Hawk

•     biplane fighter, pilot only; engine Curtiss V-12 Conqueror of 700 HP; cruise speed 175 mph, max speed 193 mph, ceiling 24,000', range 572 miles; span 31' 6", length 22' 7", weight empty 2700 lbs., gross weight 3440 lbs.; armament two .30 cal MG. 46 of these planes, plus a couple dozen of the similar P-6A model, are used by the Army Air Corps; they are considered not very agile. These aircraft have also been sold to Cuba and Japan. Cost $35,000.

Curtiss F8C-4 Helldiver

•     biplane attack aircraft, 2 crew; engine P&W R-1340 radial of 450 HP; cruise speed 116 mph, max speed 137 mph, ceiling 20,000', range 722 miles; span 32', length 26', weight empty 2500 lbs., gross weight 3730 lbs.; armament four .30 cal MG + 500 lbs. of bombs. In use with two US Marine squadrons. Export version, $14,000.

Curtiss F9C-2 Sparrowhawk

•     biplane fighter, pilot only; engine Wright R975 radial, of 438 HP; top speed 175 mph; wing span 25' 5", length 20' 7", empty weight 2089 lbs., maximum weight 2770 lbs.; armament two .30 MG. Used aboard naval dirigibles, fitted with a skyhook; the wheels are sometimes removed and an external fuel tank is fitted.

de Havilland D.H.4B

•     typical (older) mail-carrying biplane, ex-military bomber, 2 pilots (some civil versions have 1 pilot + 2 passengers); engine Packard Liberty 12; speed 125 mph, ceiling 19,500', range 400 miles or so; span 42', length 31', weight 4300 lbs. including 1000 lbs. of cargo; cost (used, approximately) $2,000 to $5,000, depending on wear and tear -- last production was in about 1924.

de Havilland D.H.61 Giant Moth

•      biplane transport, 1 pilot + 8-10 passengers; engine Bristol Jupiter, cruise speed 100 mph, max speed 132 mph, ceiling 18,000', range 450 miles; span 52', length 39', weight 3650 lbs empty, 7000 lbs max (including 600 lbs of luggage or cargo).  The wings fold backwards for storage or transport. At least one was mounted on floats; extra fuel tanks replace some or all of the seats on mailplane versions, giving more range. Only 10 were made, mostly used by QANTAS.

de Havilland D.H.66 Hercules

•     biplane trimotor, 3 crew + 8 passengers; three Bristol Jupiter engines, cruise speed 110 mph, ceiling 13,000', range 400 miles; span 80', length 56', weight 8 tons. Introduced 1926, and used by Imperial Airways on their Near Eastern routes; to be taken out of service in 1934.

de Havilland D.H.82 Tiger Moth

•     biplane trainer, two pilots in open cockpits; engine Gipsy Major straight-4 of 130 HP; top speed 104 mph, range 300 miles, ceiling 14,000'; span 29' 4", length 23' 11", weight 1825 lbs.. First flown October 1931, in use by the RAF as a trainer.

de Havilland D.H.84 Dragon Mk. I

•     biplane airliner, with pilot and 6 to 8 passengers; engines two Gipsy Major straight-4 of 130 HP; cruising speed 109 mph, range 460 miles, ceiling 12,500'; span 47' 4", length 34' 6", maximum weight 4200 lbs.. First delivered in 1932; the Persian air force has received 8 Dragons this year, and has fitted several machine guns to their craft.

de Havilland D.H.88 Comet

•     low-wing monoplane racer and mail plane, 2 pilots; two Gipsy Six inline-6 engines, 230 HP each; cruising speed 220 mph, top speed 237 mph, range 2925 miles, ceiling 19,000'; span 44', length 29', weight 5550 lbs. Retractable landing gear, enclosed cockpit, designed to win the Londen-Melbourne race of 1934. Cost £5000 (about $20,000), only five were built between 1934 and 1936.

DFS-44

•     flying wing heavy fighter, pilot + radio operator/tail gunner; two Daimler-Benz inverted V-12 engines (770 HP each); cruise speed 250 mph, top speed 270 mph, ceiling 30,000', range 1,500 miles; span 60', length 25', weight 5.5 tons. The rear turret is fitted with two 7.92mm MG17 machine guns, two 20mm MG FF autocannons are fitted in the wing (each with a 60 round drum of ammunition, which cannot be reloaded in flight), along with two more MG17 machine guns. There is a bomb rack mounting point on each wing, outboard of the landing gear, capable of carrying 250 kg bombs; the bomb bay can hold up to 500 kg of bombs. External fuel tanks of 240 gallon capacity can be fitted to the wings, instead of bombs; this increases the range to about 2,200 miles. Cost of this fictional aircraft is unknown but at least $350,000; first introduced 1933.

Dornier Do-J "6 Ton Wal"

•     monoplane flying boat, 2 pilots + 8 to 10 passengers; two Napier Lion engines (450 HP each); cruise 100 mph, ceiling 11,500', range 4,000 miles; span 74', length 57', weight 6 tons. The original 'Wal' was introduced 1922, and two of that model were used by Roald Amundsen during his attempt to reach the North Pole. Later models have flown the first crossing of the South Atlantic in 1926, and flew from Europe to Chicago non-stop in August 1930 (the first east to west crossing of the Atlantic by a flying boat). The cabin is a bit cramped (think moden executive jet). This is a very popular flying boat: hundreds have been built by Dornier, CMASA, CASA, and Aviolanda. It has been successfully launched from ships by catapult, and is being used in this fashion for mail service to South America from Europe. Cost, about $30,000 for a long-range version.

Dornier Do-X1b

•     monoplane flying boat, 10 crew + 13 passengers; twelve Rolls-Royce 'R' type engines (water-cooled, 2500 HP V-12s, with Farman gear-driven two-stage centrifugal superchargers) burn a total of 600 gallons of gas per hour; cruise 175 mph, max 200 mph, ceiling 12,000', range 1500 miles; length 131.5', span 158', weight 30 tons empty, 52 tons loaded (including about 15 tons of aviation gasoline) -- the world's largest airplane. The original model was built spring 1929; this model (available after 1931) costs about $1,000,000 ($400,000 plus the cost of engines -- Curtiss Conquerors cost about $8,000 each, Rolls-Royce 'R' engines are $26,000 each!). The original passenger version carried 169 persons in a record-setting test flight. Interior divided into three decks, with lounge, saloon, shower baths, kitchen, and 'Pullman' style berths for the passengers on the main deck; an auxiliary engine is used to provide electrical power and heat while at anchor. See the Super Dornier X page for more information on this slightly fictionalized aircraft for a grand hero or villain; Alexi Vishnaveshki took delivery of one in the fall of 1930, and had it flown to America (with much press attention).

Dornier Do-18

•     monoplane flying boat, 2 pilots + 10 passengers (civil) or 4 crew (recon); two Junkers "Jumo 205" (560 HP each) V-12 diesels; cruise speed 124 mph, top speed 155 mph, ceiling 14,000', range 2,800 to 5,200 miles depending on type; span 77', length 63', weight 11 tons. Military versions are fitted with a couple of 13mm MG151 machine guns in flexible mounts (one in the nose and one midships) and can carry two 50 kg bombs but no passengers. Cost, about $50,000 for a long-range version or military recon version; available (historically) from 1935.

Douglas Dolphin

•     monoplane amphibian, 2 pilots + 6 passengers; two Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp radial engines (450 HP each); cruise speed 135 mph, top speed 156 mph, ceiling 17,000', range 720 miles; span 60', length 44', weight empty 3.5 tons, max 4.5 tons. A popular "executive" aircraft, introduced 1931. Cost $43,000.

Fairchild FC-2

•     high-wing cabin monoplane, pilot + 4 passengers; P&W Wasp or Wright J-4 engine; cruise speed 115 mph, range 1,000 miles, ceiling 15,500'; span 50', length 31', weight 4,600 lbs.; cost about $12,000, floats or skis available for extra charge. Wings can be easily folded for ground transport in 2 minutes by 2 men. An FC-2 flew the first NY-Miami nonstop in January 1928.

Fairchild 24-W

•     high-wing cabin monoplane, pilot + 3 passengers; engine Warner radial of 145 HP; cruise speed 120 mph; span 36' 4", maximum weight 2550 lbs.; cost $6,000.

Farman F.220

•     high-wing monoplane transport, 2 crew + up to 10 passengers; four Hispano-Suiza V-12 engines of 600 HP each; cruise 136 mph, ceiling 20,000', range 2800 miles, span 118', length 69', weight 17 tons. Introduced 1930 as a bomber, transport version first flown in 1933, planned for flights from France to South America.

Fiat CR.32

•     biplane fighter, pilot only (though a two-person training version does exist); Fiat A-30 V-12 engine of 600 HP; cruise 180 mph, max speed 220 mph, ceiling 29,000', range 485 miles, span 31', length 24.5', weight 2 tons. Two machine guns, either 7.7mm or 12.7mm in Italian service; can carry two 110 lb. bombs. No radio or armor fitted at this time. Introduced 1934 into Italian service, replacing the similar CR.30 of 1932, widely exported to various countries (notably China and Nationalist Spain).

Fleet 2

•     biplane trainer, two pilots in tandem open cockpits; engine 110 HP Warner Scarab radial; cruise speed 90 mph, top speed 106 mph, range 352 miles, ceiling 13,000'; span 28', length 20' 9", empty weight 1022 lbs., maximum weight 1580 lbs.; widely used as a military and civilian training aircraft, cost $4,485 (also available with floats for an additional $1000).

Fokker F.VIIb-3m

•     high-wing monoplane trimotor, 2 pilots + 8 to 10 passengers; 3 Armstrong Siddeley Lynx engines (sometimes fitted with Wright J-5 Whirlwinds of 237 HP each); cruise 93 mph (111 mph with Wright engines), ceiling 14,000', range about 600 miles (745 miles with Wright engines), weight 5 tons, span 71', length 48'. Introduced 1927, cost about $60,000. As a bomber, payload is 800 pounds.

Fokker F-10A

•     high-wing monoplane trimotor, 2 pilots + 14 passengers; three Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial engines of 420 HP; cruise speed 122 mph, top speed 151 mph, range 765 miles, ceiling 18,000'; empty weight 7780 lbs., maximum weight 13,100 lbs., span 79' 3", length 50'. Introduced 1930 to replace the F.VIIb-32, cost $54,500 (a "deluxe air yacht" version is available, to carry 8 passengers, costs $60,000).

Fokker F-32

•     high-wing monoplane, 2 pilots + 1 steward + 32 passengers (sleeper version has a crew of 5 + 16 passengers); four P&W Hornet radial engines (575 HP each) in two nacelles; cruise speed 120 mph, top speed 140 mph, range 750 miles, ceiling 16,000'; span 99', length 73', weight empty 14,910 lbs, maximum weight 24,250 lbs.; introduced summer of 1929. Two are currently in service between Alhambra, California and Oakland, California, operated by Western Air Express. Very comfortable, and the largest transport in commercial service, but very expensive -- cost $110,000.

Ford 5-AT "Trimotor"

•     high-wing monoplane trimotor, 2 pilots + 10 to 12 passengers; three P&W Wasp radial engines of 420 HP; cruise speed 122 mph, top speed 152 mph, range 560 miles, ceiling 17,300', takeoff distance 600'; empty weight 7500 lbs., maximum weight 13,500 lbs., span 77' 10", length 49' 10". Introduced 1926 (1928 for the 5-AT version), cost $50,000. All-metal construction; a float-equipped version is available for $64,000. As a bomber, can carry 1000 lbs. of bombs.

Gee Bee Model Z

•     low-wing monoplane racer, pilot only; engine P&W R-985 Wasp Junior (modified for racing); cruise speed over 230 mph, can reach 280 mph, range 1,000 miles; span 23.5', length 15', weight 2,280 lbs. loaded. Introduced August 1931, cost about $10,000.

Gee Bee R-1 Super Sportster

•     low-wing monoplane racer, pilot only; engine P&W Wasp radial; top speed 296 mph, range ?; span 25', length 12' 9", weight 3075 lbs. max; introduced 1932, very expensive and hard to fly.

Gee Bee C-8 Eightster

•     low-wing monoplane, engine Wright R-1820 of 700 HP, pilot + 8 passengers; top speed 225 mph, cruise 190 mph, landing speed 90 mph; span 47'9", length 32'11", load 3400 lbs., range 870 miles.

Grumman FF-1

•     biplane naval fighter, pilot + radio operator/rear gunner; engine Wright R-1820 radial of 750 HP; cruising speed 122 mph, top speed 201 mph, range 732 miles, ceiling 22,400'; empty weight 3076 lbs., maximum weight 4655 lbs.; armament two .30 cal MG, and 200 lbs. of bombs; retractable landing gear, enclosed canopy for crew. FF-1s serve aboard the carrier Lexington; the later F2F, which first flies in 1933, is very similar except for not carrying an observer/rear gunner.

Handley-Page H.P.42

•     biplane airliner, four uncowled Bristol Jupiter radial engines of 490 HP each, 2 pilots, radio operator, steward + 24 passengers, cruise speed 100 mph, top speed 128 mph, range 500 miles, ceiling ?; span 120', length 92', weight 14 tons. Introduced 1930, and now in regular use on the Imperial Airways routes to India and South Africa from Egypt.

Hawker Fury Mk I

•     biplane fighter, pilot only; Rolls-Royce Kestrel V-12 engine of 525 HP; top speed 207 mph, range 305 miles, ceiling 28,000'; span 30', length 26' 8", empty weight 2623 lbs., maximum weight 3490 lbs.; armament two .303 MG. Cost $16,800, first entered service with the RAF in 1931, and a few will be sold to foreign governments (22 to Persia, most notably). The Hawker Nimrod is a naval version of the Fury, serving aboard the aircaft carriers HMS Furious and HMS Courageous.

Heinkel He-50A

•     fixed landing gear biplane dive bomber, pilot + (optional) observer in open cockpits; span 37' 8", length 31' 6"; Siemens 600 HP uncowled radial engine; weight empty 3500 lbs., maximum 5800 lbs.; top speed 146 mph, cruise speed 110 mph, range 373 miles; fixed 7.92mm MG + 1100 lbs. of bombs (or only 550 lb bombs and another 7.92mm MG if observer seat fitted). Developed in 1931, dozens were obtained clandestinely in the Fall of 1932 by the German air forces (even before the Nazis came to national power), and will be part of JG 132, the first flying unit of the Luftwaffe.

Heinkel He-59

•     two-float seaplane, pilot (in open cockpit) + 3-5 crew; span 77' 10", length 57' 2"; two BMW VI 660 HP V12 engines; empty weight 13,700 lbs, maximum weight 19,800 lbs; top speed 134 mph, range (with maximum fuel load) 1100 miles; fitted with three 7.92mm MG for bow, dorsal, and ventral gunners, plus up to 2200 lbs of bombs or a torpedo. 6 troops can be carried in the fuselage, if no bombs are carried. First delivered to the clandestine German air force in August of 1932, and used for bombing, ground attack, rescue, transport, and other missions. Reliable and tough.

Heinkel He-70 "Blitz"

•     low-wing monoplane express/passenger/training/reconnaissance/bomber/competition aircraft; pilot + bombardier/navigator + gunner/radio operator in military versions, pilot + five passengers in airline versions, or 1100 lbs. of cargo in express versions; engine BMW VI V-12 (628 HP); span 48' 7", length 57' 2", empty 5200 lbs, maximum weight 7600 lbs.; top speed 224 mph, range 560 miles (on 157 gallons of internal fuel), ceiling over 18,000'; military versions fit a 7.92mm MG in the rear cockpit, and bomber versions can carry six 110 lb. bombs internally. Retractable (but manual and awkward) landing gear; magnesium alloy frame and skin (which makes it very susceptible to fire, even from a single inciendary bullet), poor visibility for pilot. Reconnaissance versions carry an additional 110 gallon fuel tank, extending range to nearly 1000 miles. Predecessor of the He 111 bomber and the Japanese Aichi D3A "Val" carrier bomber; one is also acquired by Rolls-Royce; gained several speed-and-altitude records in 1932.

Intercontinental Air Liner

•     flying wing seaplane, 155 crew + 606 passengers; 20 engines of 1900 HP each, plus 6 spares; cruising speed 100 mph, top speed 150 mph, range 7500 miles, ceiling 10,000'; span 528', empty weight 662,600 lbs, maximum weight 1,275,300 lbs.. Designed in 1929, and first flown in 1932, cost $9,000,000; two have been built, and two more are under constuction. These aircraft fly from Chicago to Plymouth, England in 42 hours, and each makes three crossings every week (thus departures are offered every day but Sunday); the fare is $300. The aircraft are refuelled while in flight as they crosses the Atlantic coast over Newfoundland. More information on these gigantic aircraft (proposed but not actually built) here.

Junkers A48

•     low-wing monoplane fighter, pilot + gunner in open cockpits; Bristol Jupiter 480 HP radial engine, stressed for high-G maneuvers, smoothy metal skin, two rudders. First produced 1927, tested in Sweden beginning in 1932 to develop dive-bombing techniques and equipment (as the A48), and the immediate ancestor of the Ju-87 "Stuka" (first seen in mock-up form in 1934).

Junkers Ju-52/3m

•     low-wing all-metal monoplane, two pilots plus 15 to 17 passengers (or 18 paratroops on more spartan seats), or about 4000 lbs of cargo; three BMW 132 radial engines of 830 HP; top speed 190 mph, range 808 miles when fully loaded with cargo, ceiling 18,045'; empty weight 12,400 lbs, maximum weight 24,300 lbs.; span 96', length 62'. Delivery of this new German transport began in the Spring of 1932 (Lufthansa began using them on its Berlin-to-London and Berlin-to-Rome routes immediately), and are already in use as military transports in the "Chaco War" (1932-1935). The Luftwaffe has ordered a bomber version, to be delivered in 1934; versions mounted on floats or skis are also available.

Junkers W34

•     low-wing all-metal monoplane, pilot + five passengers; currently with BMW 132 radial engine (660 HP); top speed 165 mph, range 560 miles, ceiling 20,700'; empty weight 3750 lbs., maximum weight 7056 lbs., span 58' 3", length 33' 8". A development of the 1926 W33; in 1929 a W34 fitted with a Bristol Jupiter engine reached 41,402' altitude. Cost $15,600 to $16,900 depending on fittings (such as floats, skis, long-range fuel tanks, oxygen system, improved radios, large low-pressure tires, autopilot, different engines, etc.). A number of these aircraft will be used as bombers in the "Chaco War" (1932-1935).

Keystone-Loening K-85 Air Yacht

•     biplane amphibian, pilot + 7 passengers; engine Wright Cyclone of 525 HP; cruise speed 107 mph, max speed 130 mph, range 500 miles, ceiling 10,000'; span 46' 8", length 27' 2", empty weight 4071 lbs., maximum load 6250 lbs., useful load 2100 lbs.. Introduced 1931, cost $30,050.

Keystone PK-1

•     biplane flying boat, 2 pilots + 3 other crew (in naval patrol service); two Wright Cyclone radial engines (575 HP each); cruise 100 mph, max 120 mph, ceiling 12,000', range 1,250 miles; span 73', length 49', weight 7 tons. The interior has space for a couple of hammocks, but can only be called 'cramped.' Cost about $28,000.

Latecoere 300

•     monoplane flying boat, two pilots, radio operator, and engineer in the enclosed cockpit; four Hispano-Suiza V-12 engines (650 HP each); cruise 99 mph, ceiling 15,000', range 3,000 miles; span 145', length 86', weight 25 tons. Designed as a trans-atlantic airmail carrier, this aircraft can accomodate 2204 lbs (a metric ton) of cargo. Entered service 1933; cost probably $100,000 or more.

Lockheed Orion Model 9

•     low-wing cabin monoplane, 1 pilot + 6 passengers; engine P&W Wasp radial of 420 HP; cruise speed about 250 mph, top speed 254 mph, ceiling 22,000', range 720 miles (2,000 miles with no passengers and fuselage tanks); weight 5800 lbs., span 42', length 28'. First flew April 1931, operated by Varney Airlines between Los Angeles and San Francisco (schedule required 254 mph speed!), and by Swissair on the Zurich-Munich-Vienna route. Billed as the "fastest airliner in the world", faster than any fighter aircraft in service, and Lockheed's last design with a wooden fuselage; retractable landing gear (the first on a commercial aircraft), cost $50,000.

Lockheed Sirius

•     low-wing monoplane, 1-2 pilots + space for 2 passengers (depending on configuration); engine Wright Cyclone radial of 680 HP; cruise speed 145 mph, top speed 175 mph, ceiling 24,000', range 1000 miles; span 42' 10", length 27' 6", empty weight 2978 lbs., maximum weight 4600 lbs.. Designed 1929, first produced 1930; long-range versions with extra fuel tanks and no passengers can manage range of 2000 miles. Cost $18,985.

Lockheed Vega

•     high-wing cabin monoplane, 1 pilot + 6 passengers, Wright Whirlwind radial engine engine of 420 HP (equivalent P&W Wasp engine on some models); cruise speed 160 mph, top speed 185, range 700 miles, ceiling 20,000'; span 41', length 27' 6", empty weight 2490 lbs., maximum weight 4265 lbs.. Introduced July 1927, several hundred have been built with improvements in performance; cost, $18,985. Floats can be fitted instead of wheels; a similar freight-only model, the Lockheed Air Express, is available (open cockpit for pilot, carries 1900 lbs. of cargo).

Loening Amphibian

•     biplane amphibian, 1 pilot (in open cockpit) + 2 crew/passengers (in enclosed cabin with a 'cockpit' seat for observing, gunnery, and emergency piloting); Pratt & Whitney R-1340B radial engine; max 122 mph, stall 50 mph, ceiling 14,300', range 650 miles; span 45', length 34', weight empty 3400 lbs., 140 gallons fuel & oil 800 lbs., crew 360 lbs., misc./cargo 1000 lbs., max total weight 5560 lbs.; pilot's cockpit fitted with most available instruments, basic flight controls only in rear seat; electrically powered retractable landing gear; wireless set; first versions built 1925, cost $15,000; very sturdy, used in a variety of polar expeditions and ocean surveys, and as Navy patrol craft.

Martin B-10

•     monoplane bomber, 2 pilots, 2 gunners; with two Wright R-1820 radial engines of 730 HP; cruise 193 mph, top speed 200 mph, range 600 to 1200 miles depending on bomb load, ceiling 24,200'; span 70' 6", length 44' 9", useful load 4920 lbs.. Retractable landing gear, gun turret in nose, internal "bomb bay". Being taken into service with the USAAC, will serve with the Chinese, Argentina, Dutch, Siamese, and Turkish air forces. Cost $51,000.

Martin Martin 122

•     biplane flying boat, two pilots, radio operator, and flight mechanic are carried in naval service, but the hull could probably accomodate 16-20 passengers; two Wright Cyclone radial engines (550 HP each); cruise 100 mph, max 123 mph, ceiling 7,200', range 1,450 miles; span 73', length 49', weight 8 tons. Used by the U.S. Navy as the PM-2 patrol plane. The interior is a bit tight -- similar to the Catalina. Cost about $35,000.

Martin Martin 130

•     monoplane flying boat, two pilots, radio operator, flight engineer, two stewards + 12-32 passengers; four Pratt & Whitney R-1830-S2A5G Twin Wasp geared radial engines (830 HP each); cruise 163 mph, max 180 mph, ceiling 17,000', range 3,200 miles; span 130', length 91', weight 26 tons. First flown in 1934, built for Pan American at a cost of $417,000.

Monocoupe 110 Special "Clipwing"

•     high-wing cabin monoplane, pilot + co-pilot/passenger; engine Warner Scarab radial of 185 HP; cruise speed 155 mph, top speed 240 mph, range just over 500 miles, ceiling 11,000'; span 23' 3", length 20' 4", empty weight 1100 lbs., maximum weight 1620 lbs.; popular aerobatic and competition aircraft, but has poor forward visibility, and not a beginner's airplane. Cost about $6000.

Northop Alpha 4A

•     low-wing fixed landing gear monoplane, pilot + 4 to 7 passengerss; engine Pratt & Whitney Wasp C of 420 HP; cruise 145 mph, max speed 175 mph, range 600 to 2500 miles; span 41' 10", length 28' 5", useful load 1821 lbs.. Introduced 1932 (original Alpha 1 introduced 1930), features de-icing equipment, fully-faired landing gear, landing lights, enclosed cockpit for pilot on some (but not all) models; coast-to-coast American routes take about 23 hours over three days. Cost about $22,000.

Northrop Delta 1A

•     low-wing cabin monoplane, pilot + 6 to 9 passengers; engine Wright SR-1820 of 735 HP; cruise 200 mph, max speed 219 mph, range 1500 miles; span 47' 10", length 33' 1", useful load 2810 lbs.. Cost $37,500, only a few built starting in 1933, mostly in service as airliners or executive transports.

Northrop Gamma 2

•     low-wing cabin monoplane, pilot only; engine Wright GR-1510 Whirlwind of 700 HP; cruise 215 mph, top speed 224 mph, range 1700 miles; span 47' 10" length 31' 2", useful load 3231 lbs. (mostly as fuel). Costs $40,000, the latest thing in exploratory aircraft, available with floats or skis also. Starting in 1934, Gamma 2D models will be available, carrying 6 passengers, with the same performance (due to a 750 HP Wright SR-1820 engine), and mostly used by TWA.

Payen P.321AC Air Cruiser

• delta-wing cabin monoplane, with pilot, rear gunner/navigator/radio operator and nose gunner. Engines four Renault/Baudot V-12s of 500 HP each (in two nacelles), driving two sets of contra-rotating propellors. Performance unknown; about 25' wingspan, about 35' long. Armament two Hispano HS.404 autocannon for nose gunner; one MAC1934 machinegun (7.5mm caliber) for tail gunner; 6 fixed forward-firing MAC1934 machineguns fired by the pilot; also, up to 12 bombs of 25 kg each in an internal bomb bay. Designed in response to the October 1934 request by the French Armee de l'Air for an "intercepteur avion multiplace".  

Pitcairn Autogyro

•     see the Cierva PCA-2

Pitcairn PA-7 Sport-Mailwing

•     biplane, open cockpits for pilot + 2 passengers (pilot only for mail plane version); engine is Wright Whirlwind J-5C radial of 240 HP; cruising speed 125 mph, top speed 145 mph; span 33', length 23' 9", empty weight 1821 lbs. empty, maximum weight 2950 lbs.. Very reliable, designed especially for the shorter mail routes in the eastern U.S., cost $8550.

Polikarpov I-5

•     biplane open-cockpit fighter; M-22 radial engine of 480 HP; top speed 173 mph, ceiling 24,600', range 348 miles; span 33' 7.25", length 22' 3", maximum weight 2987 lbs.; armament two 7.62mm MG plus up to 88 lbs. of bombs. Entered service in 1932 as the standard Soviet fighter aircraft; these aircraft are used in the Zveno parasite fighter project, as well.

Polikarpov I-15 "Seagull"

•     biplane open-cockpit fighter; M-22 radial engine of 480 HP; top speed 220 mph, ceiling 23,800', range 310 miles; span 32', length 20', empty weight 2226 lbs., maximum weight 3113 lbs.; armament four 7.62mm MG, plus up to 220 lbs. of bombs. First flown in October 1933, will soon replace the I-5 in Soviet service, and will be used by the Spanish Republicans and the Chinese.

Savoia Marchetti S.55X

•     monoplane twin-hull flying boat, 2 pilots + 10 passengers (5 in each hull side); two Isotta-Fraschini V-18 engines (750 HP each); cruise 149 mph, ceiling 16,000', range 2400 miles; span 79', length 54', weight 11 tons. Introduced 1933, used by several Mediterranean airlines. The earlier versions of this aircraft (the S.55A and S55P) established flying boat records for altitude and range (2,000 miles with 1.7 tons of cargo). The two hulls each have about as much space as a stretch commuter van; I think there must be a crawlway past the pilots (in the middle) between the hulls. Cost about $35,000.

Savoia Marchetti S.66

•     high-wing flying boat, 3 crew + 14 passengers; three Fiat A.24R V-12 engines of 750 HP; cruise 138 mph, range 1000 miles, ceiling 18,050'; span 108', length 54', weight 12 tons; introduced 1932.

Short S.8 Calcutta

•     biplane flying boat, 3 crew + 12 passengers; three Bristol Jupiter radial engines (540 HP each); cruise 97 mph, ceiling 13,500', range 650 miles; span 93', length 66', weight 10 tons. Introduced February 1928; the cabin is fairly spacious, 7' wide with a 7' ceiling. Used by Imperial Airways on the Mediterranean segment (Marseilles-Brindisi-Athens-Haifa) of the London-to-Karachi (India) air route opened in 1929; also built under license by Breguet for French military and commercial service. Cost about $55,000.

Short S.17 Kent

•     biplane flying boat, 3 crew + 15 passengers; four Bristol Jupiter radial engines (555 HP each); cruise 120 mph, top speed 137 mph, range 450 miles; span 113', length 78' 5", maximum weight 32,000 lbs.; introduced in the Spring of 1931 by Imperial Airways for use on the Mediterranean routes (principally Marseilles to Egypt, via Brindisi and Athens), replacing/supplementing the older S.8 Calcuttas.

Sikorsky S-38C

•     monoplane amphibian, 2 crew + 10 passengers or 3630 lbs. cargo; two P&W Wasp radial engines (420 HP each); cruise 110 mph, top speed 128 mph, ceiling 18,000', range 750 miles; span 71' 8", length 40' 3", empty weight 6550 lbs., maximum weight 10480 lbs.. Introduced 1928 as S-38A, cost $49,800. Can maintain level flight on one engine. With only 8 passengers, and an additional 80 gallon fuel tank in the fuselage, range increases to 1000 miles.

Sikorsky S-39

•     amphibian (wheels and boat hull), pilot + 3 passengers; engine Pratt & Whitnew Wasp Junior radial of 300 HP; cruise speed 100 mph, top speed 123 mph, range 350 miles, ceiling 16,000'; wing span 52', length 32' 2"; empty weight 2555 lbs., maximum weight 3700 lbs.. Electric or pneumatic starter. Cost $17,500.

Sikorsky S-40

•     parasol monoplane amphibian, 4 crew + 44 passengers or 10000 lbs. load; four P&W Hornet radials of 575 HP each, top speed 130 mph, cruise 115 mph, landing speed 65 mph, ceiling 13000', range 1000 miles; span 114', length 77', hull length 48', weight ?; introduced 1931, cost $139,000, about the "very best" amphibian available -- being used by PAA in the Pacific.

Sikorsky S-42

•     parasol-wing monoplane flying boat, 2 pilots, flight engineer, radio operator, 2 stewards + 32 passengers; four P&W Hornet geared radial engines (700 HP each); cruise 160 mph, max 180 mph, ceiling 16,000', range 1,200 miles (3,000 miles with only 3/4 ton of cargo); span 118', length 69', weight 19 tons (a cargo version could carry 5 tons of freight). Introduced 1934, and used initially by Pan American on their Caribbean routes. "A" and "B" models appear in 1936, with increased speed, range, and useful load. Cost about $200,000.

Stearman Junior Speedmail 4-E

•     biplane, pilot + 2 passengers in open cockpits; engine Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial of 420 HP; cruising speed 128 mph, top speed 158 mph, range 650 miles, ceiling 18,000'; span 38', length 26' 4", weight empty 2426 lbs., maximum weight 3926 lbs.. Also available as a "pilot only" mailplane. Cost $16,000.

Stinson SM-1 F Detroiter

•     high-wing cabin monoplane, pilot + co-pilot/passenger + 4 passengers; Wright Whirlwind J6 radial engine of 300 HP; cruising speed 115 mph, top speed 135 mph, range 680 miles, ceiling 17,000'; span 47' 1", length 32' 8", empty weight 2614 lbs., maximum weight 4300 lbs.. Introduced 1929, electric starter, cost $11,000. Long range versions of this aircraft, carrying only two pilots and 2 tons (667 gallons) of fuel, have flown about 4000 miles.

Supermarine Southampton

•     biplane flying boat, 2 pilots (in open cockpits) + 3-8 crew; two Napier Lion engines; cruise 100 mph, ceiling 6,000', range 1,500 miles; span 42', length 28', weight 9 tons. Introduced 1927, in use by various naval forces as a patrol, survey and rescue aircraft. Cost $90,000 complete with beaching gear.

Supermarine Walrus

•     biplane amphibian, pilot + 3 crew; one Bristol Pegasus VI radial engine (775 HP); top speed 135 mph, ceiling 19,000', range 600 miles; span 46', length 38', weight 3.6 tons. The Royal Navy's latest reconnaissance aircraft, capable of being launched from catapults.

Taylor E-2 Cub

•     high-wing monoplane, pilot + passenger (totalling not more than 330 lbs.), in a semi-enclosed cabin; engine Continental straight-4 of 37 HP; cruise speed 60 mph, landing speed about 20 mph; maximum weight 932 lbs.; no brakes are fitted to this small airplane -- not recommended for flight in any but the calmest, clearest weather. Cost $1,325.

Travel Aire SA-6000A

•     high-wing cabin monoplane, pilot + co-pilot/passenger + 4 passengers; Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial engine of 420 HP; cruise speed 120 mph, top speed 145 mph, range 730 miles, ceiling 18,000'; span 54' 5", length 31' 1", empty weight 3225 lbs., maximum weight 5250 lbs.; options include lavatory, floats, extra instruments; cost $15,000.

Waco 9

•     biplane, pilot + 2 passengers in open cockpit; engine Curtiss OX-5 90 HP; cruise speed 85 mph, top speed 96 mph, range 425 miles, ceiling 14,000'; span 31', length 23' 6", empty weight 1200 lbs., maximum weight 2025 lbs.. Engines are rebuilt; cost $2565.

Waco QDC-2

•     cabin biplane, pilot + copilot/passenger + 2 passengers; engine Continental radial of 165 HP; cruise speed 98 mph, top speed 116 mph, range 575 miles, ceiling 16,000'. Span 30' 7", length 23' 1", empty weight 1585 lbs., maximum weight 2586 lbs.. Cost $5,575; many versions are available, with other engines or cockpit arrangements, floats.

Wedell-Williams 44 Special

•     low-wing fixed landing gear monoplane racer; pilot only; engine Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial engines of various models up to 800 HP; span 26' 2", length 21' 3". A famous American racing plane, costing about $50,000; the colorful Roscoe Turner is the most famous owner of a 44 Special.

Westland Wessex

•     high wing monoplane trimotor transport, similar to Ford or Fokker models; 2 crew + 10-20 passengers

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Sources: The Great Book of World War II Airplanes, pub. Bonanza Books, 1984; Seaplanes of the World, by Bill Yenne, pub. First Glance Books, 1997; Flying Boats and Seaplanes, by Stephane Nicolaou, pub. Bay View Books, 1998; Aircraft of the National Air and Space Museum, compiled by Claudia M. Oakes, pub. Smithsonian Institution Press, 1976; Fighting Wings of the Navy 1911-41, ed. Edwin Schnepf, pub. Challenge Publications, 1984; Seaplanes At War, ed. Michael O'Leary, pub. Challenge Publications, 1988; Sketches of the Thirties, by Capt. Vern Renaud, pub. Aviation Publishing, n/d; The Grand Days of Travel, by Charles Owen, pub. Webb & Bower, 1979; "The Uncompetitive Condor", in Air Enthusiast #6, by H.A. Taylor, pub. Pilot Press, 1978; "Dr Dornier's Great White Wal", in Air Enthusiast #13, by John Weal, pub. Pilot Press, 1980; What Were They Like To Fly?, by Murlin Gene Smith, pub. Motorbooks International, 1990; Boeing, by Guy Norris and Mark Wagner, pub. Motorbooks International, 1998; The American Fighter, by Enzo Angelucci, pub. Orion Books, 1987; World Encyclopedia of Civil Aircraft, ed. Enzo Angelucci, pub. Crown Publishers, 1982; The International Encyclopedia of Aviation, ed. David Mondey, pub. Crown Publishers, 1977; Classics of the Air, ed. Len Cacutt, pub. Exeter Books, 1988; 1930-1931 Directory of Approved American Airplanes, pub. Western Flying Magazine, 1930; Aerofiles