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.^[1]

Design and development

The prototype was built at Fairchild's Farmingdale, Long Island facility.^[2] 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.^[3]

Operational history

The prototype aircraft (NX7385) was test flown in 1929 but did go into production.^[4]

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)