Fairchild FB-3
# Fairchild FB-3

The Fairchild FB-3 (Flying Boat number 3) was an all-metal flying boat developed by the new Fairchild Metal Boat Division of the Fairchild Aircraft Corporation. The aircraft did not go into production.

## Design and development

The prototype was built at Fairchild's Farmingdale, Long Island facility. The FB-3 was an amphibious high-wing strut-braced monoplane with retractable landing gear, powered by a high pylon-mounted pusher configuration radial engine. The two-step hull provided flotation with two outboard floats for stability. The wings had metal spars and ribs with fabric covering. The interior was well finished for its time.

## Operational history

The prototype aircraft (NX7385) was test flown in 1929 but did go into production.

## Specifications (Fairchild FB-3)

Data from Fairchild Aircraft

General characteristics

* Crew: one
* Capacity: four
* Length: 41 ft (12 m)
* Wingspan: 52 ft (16 m)
* Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp Radial, 420 hp (310 kW)

Performance

* Maximum speed: 110 kn (130 mph, 210 km/h)
* Cruise speed: 100 kn (115 mph, 185 km/h)
* Range: 560 nmi (650 mi, 1,050 km)
