The Fleet Fort was an ungainly design, but 100 were delivered to the RCAF. The exhibition at the CWH is interesting in that the left side of the aircraft is fully restored. The right side shown here is unrestored clearly documenting how much work is involved in restoring aircraft.

The Fort Model 60K was the only aircraft actually designed in Canada to be built during WWII. Intended as an interim trainer that was less expensive than the Harvard, it was not very successful although 100 were acquired from 1941. Most ended their days by 1944 as radio trainers and were sold off even before the war ended. The CWH example was the prototype, employed by the National Research Council Test & Development Establishment until it was assigned to 2 Wireless School in 1942 and is the only survivor that remains flyable. Note the overwing strut which adds to the ungainly appearance.

Struck off charge in March 1945. Photo from: Library and Archives Canada

The aircraft in the color of Royal Canadian Air Force and is under restoration. Photo taken at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at Hamilton Airport.

To RCAF 9 December 1941. Converted to Mk.II standard as a wireless operator trainer. Struck off 12 March 1945 with 950 airframe hours. Subsequent history not known. Seen inside the Western Canada Aviation Museum reserve store building. It has previously been used for target practice!

1941-built two-seat advanced trainer built for RCAF as 3540. CF-BQP post-war. Maintained airworthy by the CWHM. It carries small titles above the tailwheel.