Fleet 50K Freighter

  • Period: Interwar (1919-1938)
  • Uses: Utility
  • First Flight: February 22, 1938
  • Display Status: In the Reserves.

The Fleet 50 was planned as a twin-engine transport for use in the north. It was designed to be strong, and easy to maintain, able to handle bulky, awkward loads. Rugged simplicity was to be its essence. Only five were built. The advent of Second World War and a few misfortunes, such as one Freighter burning to the ground during a demonstration in Chicago, doomed this interesting bush plane to a short career. The last two ended their flying days in 1946.

Although there were complaints about its lack of power, the Freighter was valued for its ability to handle oversized loads. A nose-door opened to expose an unobstructed compartment running the length of the fuselage underneath the cockpit and the cargo floor. Nose-loading cargo planes became common in later years.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: CF-BXP
  • Manufacturer: Fleet Aircraft Ltd., Canada
  • Manufacture Date: 1939
  • Construction #: 202
  • Aquisition Date: 1964
  • Provenance: Salvage

Originally registered CF-BJV, the Museum’s aircraft flew with Canadian Airways, Quebec Airways and the RCAF between 1939 and 1942. Sold to a Labrador operator, it crashed on take off in 1944. The aircraft’s remains were salvaged in 1964.

Specifications

Wing Span:
13.7 m (45 ft)
Length:
10.9 m (35 ft 10 in)
Height:
4 m (13 ft 1 in)
Weight, Empty:
2,340 kg (5,155 lb)
Weight, Gross:
3,775 kg (8,325 lb)
Cruising Speed:
206 km/h (128 mph)
Max Speed:
238 km/h (148 mph)
Rate of Climb:
305 m (1,000 ft) /min
Service Ceiling:
4,570 m (15,000 ft)
Range:
1,046 km (650 mi)
Power Plant:
two Jacobs L-6MB, 330 hp, radial engines