FAIRCHILd 24R Argus

Aircraft Details

  • Nickname – Argus
  • RCAF Serial Number: RCAF 4809
  • Registration:  C-FGZL
  • Construction Number: 649
  • Length: 26′
  • Wingspan: 36′ 4″
  • Power: 200 hp
  • Engine: 1 x Fairchild Ranger 6-440-C5
  • Maximum Speed: 160 mph
  • Cruising Speed: 118 mph
  • Service Ceiling: 12000 ft
  • Crew: Pilot + 3 Passengers
  • Status: On display
  • Airworthiness: Airworthy
  • Type: Light Transport

Aircraft Description

  • Manufacturer: Fairchild Aircraft Company
  • Colour Scheme:  Royal Canadian Air Force
  • Used during WW2 as a utility aircraft transporting officers
  • Never had a combat role
  • Model: UC-61K Argus Mk3
  • 4-seat, high-wing, single engine
  • Purchased by RCAF in the late 1930’s
  • Used for photography and light transport duties
  • Fairchild F24 made it’s first flight in 1934
  • This aircraft spent several years on display at Canadian Warplanes Museum in Hamilton
  • This plane was generously donated to CAM by Drake Andrews, from Welland Port, ON
  • Aircraft features roll-down side windows.  These are unique – more like a car
  • It has very large wings which gave it very short take-off performance
  • It is an early STOL aircraft – Short Take Off & – Landing
  • It is designed to fly in and out of very short runways or unimproved fields.