View source for Fleet Model 1

{{Short description|Light biplane family}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name=Model 1
 |image=H98102.jpg
 |caption=U.S. Navy N2Y-1 with "looped" left mainwheel radius rod
 |type=Recreational and training aircraft
 |manufacturer=[[Consolidated Aircraft|Consolidated]], [[Fleet Aircraft|Fleet]]
 |designer=[[Reuben Fleet]]
 |first_flight=9 November [[1928 in aviation|1928]]
 |introduction=
 |retired=
 |status=
 |primary_user=
 |more_users=
 |produced=
 |number_built=
 |variants=
}}
[[File:Fleet 2 aircraft sketched by A. E. (Ted) Hill.1930s..jpg|thumb|250 px|Fleet 2 aircraft sketched by A. E. (Ted) Hill. 1930s]]

The '''Fleet Model 1''' (originally the '''Consolidated Model 14 Husky Junior''') and its derivatives are a family of two-seat trainer and sports biplanes produced in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] in the 1920s and 1930s. They all shared the same basic design and varied mainly in their [[powerplant]]s.

== Development ==
The '''Fleet Model 1''' and its derivatives were all orthodox [[biplane]]s with staggered, single-bay wings of equal span and fixed [[Conventional landing gear|tailskid undercarriage]]. Accommodation was provided for two in tandem, originally sharing a single open cockpit, but in most examples in separate open cockpits. The fuselage was made of welded steel tube with triangular-layout [[Truss bridge#Warren truss|Warren truss]] construction pattern side structures typical of the time, and the wings had a wooden spar with duralumin ribs, the entire aircraft being fabric-covered. Despite a superficial resemblance to Consolidated's highly successful [[Consolidated PT-1|Trusty]] and [[Consolidated PT-3|Husky]] designs (hence the "Husky Junior" nickname), the Model 14 was an all-new design.

Originally created as a means for Consolidated to enter the civil market, the company abandoned this ambition shortly before the completion of the first prototype. The manufacturing rights were purchased by designer and Consolidated company president [[Reuben Fleet]] to put into production under his new enterprise, [[Fleet Aircraft]]. It was an immediate success, and in the first year of production alone, over 300 machines were sold. Consolidated quickly responded by buying Fleet Aircraft and retaining it as a subsidiary while opening a second production line at [[Fort Erie, Ontario]], Canada. The Canadian manufacturing was a great success, with some 600 examples built for the [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] as the [[Fleet Fawn]] (Model 7) and [[Fleet Finch]] (Model 16).

A small number of U.S.-built machines were purchased by the U.S. military, including a batch evaluated by the [[United States Army Air Corps]] as the '''PT-16''' but not bought in quantity. One initial prototype aircraft and six subsequent specialized production '''N2Y''' trainers were purchased by the [[United States Navy]].  These N2Y-1 aircraft were equipped with hooks to catch the trapeze on two [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]] airships, the ''[[USS Akron]]'' and the ''[[USS Macon (ZRS-5)|USS Macon]].''   The N2Y-1 [[parasite aircraft]] were used to train pilots that would subsequently fly the longer distance single-seat [[Curtiss F9C Sparrowhawk|F9C Sparrowhawks]] reconnaissance aircraft.  The two-seater N2Y-1 also acted as service aircraft, flying passengers to the inroute airships.

On July 6, 1930, future air racer and movie stunt pilot [[Paul Mantz]] flew a Fleet Model 2 biplane through 46 consecutive outside loops, an international record which stood for almost 50 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.air-racing-history.com/PILOTS/Paul%20Mantz.htm |title=Paul Mantz |access-date=2007-07-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927095141/http://www.air-racing-history.com/PILOTS/Paul%20Mantz.htm |archive-date=2007-09-27 }}</ref> 

United States manufacturing rights were eventually sold to [[Brewster Aeronautical Corporation]], which intended to produce the '''Brewster B-1''' based on the Canadian '''Model 16F'''.
<!-- ==Operational history== -->
==Variants==
[[File:Fleet model 2.jpg|thumb|right|Fleet Model 2 on display in the [[:en:Cradle of Aviation Museum|Cradle of Aviation Museum]].]]
[[File:FleetModel2.jpg|thumb|right|Fleet Model 2]]
[[File:Fleet model 7.jpg|thumb|right|Fleet Model 7]]
[[File:Fleet_Model_11_photo_Le_Pontentiel_Aérien_Mondial_1936.jpg|thumb|Fleet Model 11 photo from Le Pontentiel Aérien Mondial 1936]]
[[File:Fleet 21K CF-DLC.jpg|thumb|Fleet Model 21K, circa 1937]]

* '''Consolidated Model 14 Husky Junior''' - prototypes (ca. five built)
* '''Fleet Model 1''' - initial production version with {{convert|110|hp|kW|abbr=on}} [[Warner Scarab]] engine. Approximately 90 built, including one for US Navy for evaluation as '''XN2Y-1'''.<ref name="Weggp56,8">Wegg 1990, pp. 56, 58.</ref>
* '''Fleet 1 Special''' - One aircraft modified as testbed for {{convert|95|hp|kW|abbr=on}} [[Menasco Pirate]] B-4.<ref name="Weggp56">Wegg 1990, p. 56.</ref>
* '''Fleet Model 2''' - initial production version with [[Kinner K-5]] engine. 203 built in US for civil market, with 13 built in US for Argentina and limited production in Canada.<ref name="Weggp56"/>
** '''PT-6''' - USAAC designation for Model 2 (16 built)
** '''N2Y-1''' - USN version with trapeze hook for airship docking training (six built). One converted to floatplane as '''XN2Y-2''' and then converted to [[autogyro]] as '''XOZ-1'''.<ref name="Weggp56"/>
* '''Fleet Model 3''' - based on Fleet 1 with {{convert|150|hp|kW|abbr=on}} [[Wright J-6]] engine. Two built.<ref name="Weggp56-7">Wegg 1990, pp. 56–57.</ref>
* '''Fleet Model 4''' - version with {{convert|170|hp|kW|abbr=on}} [[Curtiss Challenger]] engine. One built.<ref name="Weggp57">Wegg 1990, p. 57.</ref>
* '''Fleet Model 5''' - version with {{convert|90|hp|kW|abbr=on}} [[Brownback C-400]] engine. One built.<ref name="Weggp57"/>
* '''Fleet Model 5''' - Designation reused for Kinner K-5 powered version of Fleet 10. Six built in US for China. Built in Canada as Fleet 10A.<ref name="Weggp57"/>
* '''Fleet Model 6''' - Testbed for {{convert|165|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Continental A-7 radial engine.<ref name="Weggp57"/>
* '''Fleet Model 7''' - version with [[Kinner B-5]] engine (48 built, plus several converted from '''Model 2''' by Fleet in Canada)
** '''Fleet Model 7A'''
** '''[[Fleet Fawn|Fleet Model 7B]]''' - Canadian production version
** '''[[Fleet Fawn|Fleet Model 7C]]''' - Canadian production version with [[Armstrong Siddeley Civet]] engine
** '''Fleet Model 7G''' - Canadian production version with [[de Havilland Gipsy]] III engine
** '''XPT-6''' - One '''Model 7''' acquired by the US Army Air Corps for service tests. Version with 100-hp Kinner R-370-1 (Kinner K5) engine
** '''YPT-6''' - ten aircraft similar to the XPT-6, used by the US Army Air Corps for service tests and evaluation 
** '''YPT-6A''' - modified version of the '''Model 7''' fitted with an enlarged cockpit. Used by the US Army Air Corps for service tests and evaluation
* '''Fleet Model 8''' - three-seat version similar to '''Model 7''' (seven built)
* '''Fleet Model 9''' - refined version of '''Model 8''' (12 built)
* '''Fleet Model 10''' - refined version of '''Model 7''' for export to Europe, replaced the 1928-origin "looped" portside main landing gear radius rod of the Models 2 & 7; with a center-hinged design for both mainwheels, using a V-form transverse [[cabane strut]] to provide the hinge-point.
** '''Fleet Model 10A''' - version with 100&nbsp;hp Kinner engine
** '''Fleet Model 10B''' - version with 125&nbsp;hp Kinner engine
** '''Fleet Model 10D''' - version with 160&nbsp;hp Kinner engine
** '''Fleet Model 10-32D''' - generally similar to the '''Model 10D''', but with an increased 4-ft 0-in (1.22-m) wingspan
** '''Fleet Model 10E''' - version with 125&nbsp;hp Warner engine
** '''Fleet Model 10F''' - version with 145&nbsp;hp Warner engine
** '''Fleet Model 10G''' - version with [[de Havilland Gypsy Major]] engine for governments of Portugal and Romania; 415 built in [[Romania]]: 40 by [[Industria Aeronautică Română|IAR]], 80 by [[Societatea Pentru Exploatări Tehnice|SET]] and 285 by [[Întreprinderea de Construcții Aeronautice Românești|ICAR]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Illustrated History of Romanian Aeronautics|author=Dan Antoniu|date=2014|isbn=978-973-0-17209-6|page=120}}</ref>
** '''Fleet Model 10H''' - version with [[Menasco C-4]]S engine
* '''Fleet Model 11''' - version with [[Kinner R-5]] engine; some exported to Argentina, China and Mexico
* '''Fleet Model 14''' - '''Model 2''' modified for participation in [[Guggenheim Safe Aircraft Competition]] but disqualified.
* '''Fleet Model 16''' - '''[[Fleet Finch]]''' - strengthened Canadian production version with sliding canopy, powered by a 130&nbsp;hp de Havilland Gipsy Major engine (ca. 600 built)
** '''Fleet Model 16B''' - '''Fleet Finch Mk II''' - Strengthened Canadian production version, powered by a Kinner B5 engine <ref>{{cite journal|journal=Air Trails|date=Summer 1971|page=29}}</ref>
** '''Fleet Model 16D''' - similar to the '''Model 16B''', but fitted with a Kinner B5 engine
** '''Fleet Model 16F''' - prototype for Brewster B-1
** '''Fleet Model 16R''' - '''Fleet Finch Mk I''' - designation of the '''Fleet 16D''' built in Canada for the RCAF
* '''Fleet Model 21''' - armed version built in Canada for [[Mexican Air Force]] (11 built)
** '''Fleet Model 21M''' - designation for a one-off demonstration aircraft
** '''Fleet Model 21K''' - redesignation of the '''Model 21M''', after it was subsequently sold to a private buyer
** '''CATA 150''' - Argentinian glider tug modification with {{convert|150|hp|kW|abbr=on}} [[Lycoming O-320]] engine. First example flew 5 June 1971. At least two converted.<ref>Taylor 1973, p. 4</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Fleet F-10G.jpg|thumb|A Fleet Model 10G of the [[Royal Romanian Air Force]]]]
;{{ARG}}
*[[Argentine Naval Aviation]] - 10 Model 11 (1931 - 1940)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.histarmar.com.ar/Armada%20Argentina/AviacionNaval/TR-Fleet.htm |title=AVIONES DE ENTRENAMIENTO DE LA AVIACION NAVAL - CONSOLIDATED "FLEET" MODELO 11 |website=Histarmar - Historia y Arqueologia Marítima |publisher=Fundación Histarmar |language=es |access-date=2 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924030550/http://www.histarmar.com.ar/Armada%20Argentina/AviacionNaval/TR-Fleet.htm |archive-date=24 September 2015 }}</ref>
;{{flag| Canada|1921}}
*[[Royal Canadian Air Force]]
;{{China as ROC}}
*[[Chinese Nationalist Air Force]] - Fleet Model 11
;{{MEX}}
*[[Mexican Air Force]]
;{{ROM}}
*[[Royal Romanian Air Force]]
;{{TUR}}
*[[Turkish Air Force]]<ref>[http://www.klueser.eu/turkey.php?language=de#aircraftlist Aircraft List of Turkey] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214138/http://www.klueser.eu/turkey.php?language=de |date=2016-03-03 }}(Ger), as of 2012/09/02</ref>
;{{USA}}
*[[United States Army Air Corps]]
*[[United States Navy]]
;{{PAR}}
*[[Paraguayan Air Force]] - Military Aviation School - 5 Fleet Model 2 bought in 1931
<!-- ==Units using this aircraft/Operators (choose)== -->

==Surviving aircraft==
;Israel
* 200 – Model 1 airworthy at Paradive Aviation Gallery at Habonim Airstrip. It is registered as 4X-AAF, was manufactured in 1929, and is powered with a Kinner B-5 radial engine.{{Citation needed|date=August 2021}}

;Paraguay
* E-15 – Model 2 airworthy with the Yvytu Flight Club. A veteran of the [[Chaco War]], it was donated Paraguayan Air Force in 1990. It was formerly registered as ZP-EAL.{{Citation needed|date=August 2021}}

;Romania
* 351 – Model 10G on static display at the [[National Military Museum, Romania|National Military Museum]] in [[Bucharest]]. Registered as 51, it was manufactured by Romanian company [[Întreprinderea de Construcții Aeronautice Românești|ICAR]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airhistory.net/photo/704114/51|title=Aircraft photo of 51 - Fleet 10G - Romania|author=Wim Sonneveld|date=1 December 2017}}</ref>

;United States
* 181 – Model 2 on static display at the [[Pima Air & Space Museum]] in [[Tucson, Arizona]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Airframe Dossier - Consolidated-Fleet 2, c/n 181, c/r N605M |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=2536 |website=Aerial Visuals |access-date=25 August 2021}}</ref> It is in the markings of Gilpen & Greenway Air Lines, Tucson, Arizona 1934. {{Citation needed|date=August 2021}}
* 229 – Model 2 airworthy at the [[Military Aviation Museum]] in [[Virginia Beach, Virginia]]. It is registered as NC636M and is in the markings of United Air Services of Burbank, California.{{Citation needed|date=August 2021}}
* 233 – Model 1 airworthy with David Trost of [[Westchester, New York]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Fleet Model 1 |url=http://oldrhinebeck.org/fleet-model-1 |website=Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome |date=25 April 2021 |access-date=25 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=FAA Registry [N649M] |url=http://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?NNumberTxt=N649M |website=Federal Aviation Administration |publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation |access-date=25 August 2021}}</ref>

==Specifications (Model 2)==
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=''General Dynamics Aircraft and their Predecessors'' <ref name="Wegg p58">Wegg 1990, p. 58.</ref>
|prime units?=imp<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|genhide= 

|crew=2
|capacity=
|length m=
|length ft=20
|length in=9
|span m=
|span ft=28
|span in=0
|height m=
|height ft=7
|height in=10
|wing area sqm=
|wing area sqft=195
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight lb=1063
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb=1820
|fuel capacity={{convert|55|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on}}
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Kinner K-5]]
|eng1 type=5-cylinder [[radial engine]]
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=110<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng1 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng1 kn-ab=<!-- afterburners -->
|eng1 lbf-ab=<!-- afterburners -->

|prop blade number=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop name=
|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->

<!--
        Performance
-->
|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph=113.5
|max speed kts=
|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
|cruise speed kmh=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed mph=88<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed kts=
|range km=
|range miles=
|range nmi=
|ceiling m=
|ceiling ft=12200
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin=730
|more performance=

|avionics=
}}

==References==

=== Citations ===
{{reflist}}
=== Bibliography ===
* [http://www.aerofiles.com/_fleet.html Aerofiles.com]
*{{cite magazine|last=Howard |first=Frederic|date=June 1967|title=The History Of The 1930 Fleet|magazine=[[American Aviation Historical Society Journal]]}}
*{{cite magazine|last=Lopes|first=Mario Canoniga|title=Talkback|magazine=[[Air Enthusiast]] |date=Spring 1994|issue=53 |pages=79–80 |issn=0143-5450}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Sapienza|first1=Antonio Luis|title=Les premiers avions de transport commercial au Paraguay|journal=Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire |date=June 2000|issue=87 |pages=45–47 |trans-title=The First Commercial Transport Aircraft in Paraguay|language=fr |issn=1243-8650}}
*{{cite magazine|last=Shattuck |first=Lemuel C.|date=December 2008|title=Restoration: Fleet Model 8|magazine=[[Air & Space]]}}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Taylor |editor-first=John W. R. |editor-link=John W. R. Taylor |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1973–74 |year=1973 |location=London |publisher=Sampson Low, Marston & Co., Ltd. |isbn=0-354-00117-5}}
*{{cite book|last=Wegg |first=John|title=General Dynamics Aircraft and their Predecessors|year=1990 |publisher=Putnam|location=London|isbn=0-85177-833-X}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book|editor= Taylor, Michael J. H.|year=1989|title=Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation|publisher=Studio Editions|location=London|pages=263|isbn= 0-7106-0710-5}}
*{{cite book|title=World Aircraft Information Files|publisher=[[Bright Star Publishing]]|location=London|pages=File 894 Sheets 24–25|no-pp=yes|isbn=1-156-94382-5}}

==External links==
{{commons}}
* [https://archive.org/details/aerodigest1319unse/page/1126 (Advertisement) – Aero Digest]

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[[Category:1920s United States sport aircraft]]
[[Category:1920s United States civil trainer aircraft]]
[[Category:Consolidated aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Fleet aircraft|Model 1]]
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[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1928]]
[[Category:Parasite aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft with fixed conventional landing gear]]