| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | 44313 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Fleetwings BTK-1 |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Fleetwings BTK-1 |
| Aircraft Version: | Fleetwings XBTK-1 |
| C/n (msn): | [ 44313 ] |
| Operator Titles: | USA - Navy |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | Bristol - Fleetwings Field (closed) |
| Region / Country: | Pennsylvania, United States |
| Airport Codes: | None |
| Photo Date: | July 1945 |
| Photo from: | William Engle Collection (via Tim Martin) |
| Photo ID: | 685448 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
Here the 1st prototype is flying again after being grounded for installation of an upgraded P&W R-2800-34W engine plus other modifications. In this view the exhaust pump engine cooling outlet is clearly seen. The USN were delighted with its diving characteristics, but stall and spin recovery was a problem. The delay caused by design changes resulted in other models taking over its role, consequently the contract was terminated on 3 September 1946. Five completed aircraft went to meet their fate at NAES Phillidelphia and were eventually "stricken from inventory". Dates where known: prototypes 44313 (unknown); 44314 (March 1948). Production aircraft: 90484 & 90485 (unknown); 90486 (April 1948). This photo was added on 9 May 2024, and has since been viewed 281 times. |