Fairchild PT-26B Cornell III

  • Period: Second World War (1939-1945)
  • Uses: Trainer
  • First Flight: July 9, 1942
  • Display Status: On the Museum Floor.

The Fairchild Cornell was the successor to the Tiger Moth and Fleet Finch for elementary pilot training in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan . The RCAF version, which served until 1947, was the Cornell III, manufactured by Fleet Aircraft, Fort Erie, Ontario. In late 1943 a series of wing failures occurred, requiring reinforcement of the main spar. After the war many Cornells were sold for civilian use, but the wing spar problem continued and required stringent annual inspections. This weakness greatly reduced their popularity. Canada built 1 642.

Although Cornells were also manufactured in Canada for the US Army Air Forces, none was delivered there. Most of the US Army Air Forces order was sent to the RAF under lend-lease, with the balance going to the RCAF. Twenty Canadian-built Cornells were used by the Royal Norwegian Air Force at their two wartime bases in Ontario. Some Canadian-built Cornell IIs were shipped to Africa and India to be used in training schools.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: 10738 (RCAF)
  • Manufacturer: Fleet Aircraft Ltd., Canada
  • Manufacture Date: 1942
  • Construction #: FC 239
  • Aquisition Date: 1964
  • Provenance: Transfer from RCAF

The Museum version was manufactured in 1942 and flew with the RCAF until 1944. It was placed in various storage locations until 1964 when it was transferred to the Museum.

Specifications

Wing Span:
11.3 m (36 ft 11 3/16 in)
Length:
8.7 m (28 ft 8 in)
Height:
2.3 m (7 ft 7 1/2 in)
Weight, Empty:
917 kg (2,022 lb)
Weight, Gross:
1,241 kg (2,736 lb)
Cruising Speed:
162 km/h (101 mph)
Max Speed:
196 km/h (122 mph)
Rate of Climb:
197 m (645 ft) /min
Service Ceiling:
4,020 m (13,200 ft)
Range:
692 km (430 mi)
Power Plant:
one Ranger 6-440-65, 200 hp, inverted in-line engine