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{{Infobox Aircraft
{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
|name=Fleet Fort
|name=Fleet 60 Fort
⚫
|image=Fort 1 580.jpg
⚫
|caption=Fleet Fort c. 1943
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
|type=[[Trainer (aircraft)|trainer]]
|type=[[Trainer (aircraft)|trainer]]
|manufacturer= [[Fleet Aircraft]] of Canada
|manufacturer= [[Fleet Aircraft]] of Canada
⚫
|image=Image:Fort 1.jpg
⚫
|caption=Fleet Fort c. 1943
|designer=
|designer=
|first flight=[[18 April]] [[1941 in aviation|1941]]
|first flight=22 March 1940<ref name="Holmes"/>
|introduced=18 April 1941<ref name="Holmes">Holmes 2005, p. 161.</ref>
|introduced=
|retired=
|retired=1945
|status=
|status=
|primary user=[[Royal Canadian Air Force]]
|primary user=[[Royal Canadian Air Force]]
|more users=
|produced=1941- 1942
|produced=1941- 1942
|number built=101
|number built=101
|unit cost=
|unit cost=
|variants with their own articles=
}}
}}
|}


The '''Fleet Model 60K Fort''' was the only [[aircraft]],with the Noorduyn Norseman,designed and built by [[Canada|Canadian]]s in the [[world War II|Second World War]]. The Fort was also the first all-metal [[monoplane]] built by [[Fleet Aircraft]] of Canada ([[Fort Erie, Ontario|Fort Erie]]); it was intended to be a cheaper alternative to the [[North American Aviation|North American]] [[T-6 Texan|Harvard]] [[Trainer (aircraft)|trainer]]. Although it served with the [[British Commonwealth Air Training Plan]], the Fort ended up training wireless operators and had a relatively short operational career.
The '''Fleet Model 60K Fort''' was the only [[aircraft]] designed and built by [[Canadians]] during the [[World War II|Second World War]]<ref name="Holmes"/> and was also the first all-metal [[monoplane]] built by [[Fleet Aircraft]] of Canada ([[Fort Erie, Ontario|Fort Erie]]). It was intended to be an [[Trainer (aircraft)|intermediate trainer]] employed for pilot training between the [[de Havilland Tiger Moth]] primary trainer and the [[North American Aviation|North American]] [[T-6 Texan|Harvard]] advanced trainer. Although it served with the [[British Commonwealth Air Training Plan]], the Fort was redundant and was used to train wireless (radio) operators and had a relatively short operational career.


==Design and development==
==Design and development==
The Fort was originally designed as an advanced flying trainer and in 1940 orders were placed for 200 to be built for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. The Fleet 60 was designed as a monoplane with a low elliptical wing and a raised rear [[cockpit]]. An unusual feature was the fixed [[undercarriage]]. Although fixed, the undercarriage was fitted with a retractable [[Aircraft fairing|fairing]]. This feature was intended to familiarize student pilots with an undercarriage retraction mechanism but without causing external damage by a forgetful student.
The Fort was originally designed as an advanced flying trainer and in 1940 orders were placed for 200 to be built for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.<ref name="Holmes"/> The Fleet 60 was designed as a monoplane with a low elliptical wing and a raised rear [[cockpit]]. An unusual feature was the fixed [[Landing gear|undercarriage]]. Although fixed, the undercarriage was fitted with a retractable [[Aircraft fairing|fairing]]. This feature was intended to familiarize student pilots with an undercarriage retraction mechanism but without causing external damage by a forgetful student.


Production was delayed, however, as the first RCAF model was not flying until [[18 April]] [[1941]]. The availability of the [[Fairchild PT-19|Fairchild Cornell]], and a change in what constituted an "advanced" trainer, led to the contract's being sharply cut back, and only 101 Forts were ultimately delivered to the RCAF between June 1941 and June 1942.
Production was delayed, however, as the first [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] (RCAF) model was not flying until 18 April 1941. The availability of the [[Fairchild PT-19|Fairchild Cornell]], and a change in what constituted an "advanced" trainer, led to the contract's being sharply cut back, and only 101 Forts were ultimately delivered to the RCAF between June 1941 and June 1942.<ref name="Holmes"/>


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
[[Image:Fleet60KFortC-FORT.JPG|thumb|300px|'''Fleet 60K Fort''' at the [[Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum]] Hamiliton Ontario]]
[[File:Fleet60KFortC-FORT.JPG|thumb|Fleet 60K Fort at the [[Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum]], Hamilton, Ontario]]
Initially, the RCAF did not want to order the Model 60K, and their concerns proved valid. Pilot trainees found the Fort relatively easy to master, thereby making it unsuitable for transition to combat aircraft (e.g., [[Hawker Hurricane]]). Also, the RCAF decided that pilots who had soloed in [[Fleet Finch]]es and [[de Havilland Tiger Moth]]s could proceed to Harvards without training on Forts. The Forts were then used to train wireless operators at No. 2 Wireless School, [[Calgary]] and No. 3 Wireless School, [[Winnipeg]].
Initially, the RCAF did not want to order the Model 60K, and their concerns proved valid. Pilot trainees found the Fort relatively easy to master, thereby making it unsuitable for transition to combat aircraft (e.g., [[Hawker Hurricane]]). Also, the RCAF decided that pilots who had soloed in [[Fleet Finch]]es and [[de Havilland Tiger Moth]]s could proceed to Harvards without training on Forts. The Forts were then used to train wireless operators at No. 2 Wireless School, [[Calgary]] and No. 3 Wireless School, [[Winnipeg]].


Two models were built, one having a 250 hp [[Jacobs Aircraft Engine Company|Jacobs]] [[Piston engine|engine]] and the other having a 330 hp Jacobs. The more powerful engine gave the revised Fort a top speed of 193 mph and the cruising speed 163 mph. It then climbed at 1,650 feet per minute and had a range of 610 miles. Loaded weight was slightly increased to 2,900 pounds.
Two models were built, one having a {{convert|250|hp|abbr=on|adj=on}} [[Jacobs Aircraft Engine Company|Jacobs]] [[Piston engine|engine]] and the other having a {{convert|330|hp|abbr=on}} Jacobs. The more powerful engine gave the revised Fort a top speed of {{convert|193|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} and the cruising speed {{convert|163|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. It then climbed at {{convert|1650|ft|m}} per minute and had a range of {{convert|610|mi|km}}. Loaded weight was slightly increased to {{convert|2,900|lb|kg}}.


The last Forts saw active service in 1944 and they were phased out of use by 1945; the last Model 60K was retired in 1946.
The last Forts saw active service in 1944 and they were phased out of use by 1945; the last Model 60K was retired in 1946.
Line 40: Line 40:


==Specifications==
==Specifications==
[[Image:Fleet Fort.jpg|thumb|3-view drawing Fleet Fort]]
{{3-view|Fleet Fort.jpg|Fleet Fort}}
{{Aircraft specs
* '''Manufacturer''': Fleet Aircraft
|ref=''Jane's Vintage Aircraft Recognition Guide''<ref name="Holmes"/>
* '''Crew/Passengers''': crew of two: one pilot and one wireless operator trainee
|prime units? = imp
* '''Powerplant''': one 250 hp or one 330 hp Jacobs radial piston engine
|crew=2
* '''Performance''': Max speed: 162 mph ( 261 km/h) Cruising speed: 135 mph (217 km/h) Service ceiling: 15,000 ft (4,572 m)
|length m=8.18
* '''Weights''': Empty: 2,530 lb (1,149 kg) Gross: 3,500 lb (1,589 kg)
|length ft=26
* '''Dimension'''s: Span: 36 ft 0 in (10.97 m) Length: 26 ft 10 in (8.18 m) Height: 8 ft 3 in (2.51 m) Wing area: 216 sq ft (20.07 sq m)
|length in=10.3
* '''Armament''': None
|span m=10.97
|span ft=36
|span in=0
|height m=2.51
|height ft=8
|height in=3
|wing area sqm=20.07
|wing area sqft=216
|empty weight kg=1,149
|empty weight lb=2,530
|gross weight kg=1,589
|gross weight lb=3,500
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Jacobs R-915|Jacobs L-6MB]]
|eng1 kw=246
|eng1 hp=330
|cruise speed kmh=217
|cruise speed mph=135
|ceiling m=4,572
|ceiling ft=15,000
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent|
|related=
|similar aircraft=
*[[Miles Master]]
*[[Miles Mentor]]
|lists=
* [[List of aircraft of World War II]]
}}


==References==
==References==
{{commonscat}}
===Citations===
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
⚫
* Molson, Ken M. and Taylor, Harold A. ''Canadian Aircraft Since 1909''. Stittsville, Ontario: Canada's Wings, Inc., 1982. ISBN 0-920002-11-0.
⚫
* Page, Ron D. and Cumming, William. ''Fleet: The Flying Years''. Erin, Ontario: Boston Mills Press, 1990. ISBN 1-55046-019-6.


==External links==
===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
*[http://www.rcaf.com/aircraft/trainers/fort/index.php?name=Fleet%20Fort Fleet Fort]
* Holmes, Tony. ''Jane's Vintage Aircraft Recognition Guide''. London: Harper Collins, 2005. {{ISBN|0-00-719292-4}}.
⚫
[[Category:Propeller aircraft]]
⚫
* Molson, Ken M. and Taylor, Harold A. ''Canadian Aircraft Since 1909''. Stittsville, Ontario: Canada's Wings, Inc., 1982. {{ISBN|0-920002-11-0}}.
⚫
[[Category:Single engine aircraft]]
⚫
* Page, Ron D. and Cumming, William. ''Fleet: The Flying Years''. Erin, Ontario: Boston Mills Press, 1990. {{ISBN|1-55046-019-6}}.
⚫
[[Category:Low wing aircraft]]
{{refend}}
⚫
[[Category:training aircraft 1939-1945]]

[[Category:Aviation in Canada]]
{{Fleet Aircraft}}
{{Aircraft manufactured in Canada}}

⚫
[[Category:Fleet aircraft|Fort]]
⚫
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
⚫
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:1940s Canadian military trainer aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1940]]
⚫
[[Category:Twin canopy aircraft]]

Revision as of 01:20, 3 July 2024

Fleet 60 Fort
Fleet Fort c. 1943
Role trainer
Manufacturer Fleet Aircraft of Canada
First flight 22 March 1940[1]
Introduction 18 April 1941[1]
Retired 1945
Primary user Royal Canadian Air Force
Produced 1941- 1942
Number built 101

The Fleet Model 60K Fort was the only aircraft designed and built by Canadians during the Second World War[1] and was also the first all-metal monoplane built by Fleet Aircraft of Canada (Fort Erie). It was intended to be an intermediate trainer employed for pilot training between the de Havilland Tiger Moth primary trainer and the North American Harvard advanced trainer. Although it served with the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, the Fort was redundant and was used to train wireless (radio) operators and had a relatively short operational career.

Design and development

The Fort was originally designed as an advanced flying trainer and in 1940 orders were placed for 200 to be built for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.[1] The Fleet 60 was designed as a monoplane with a low elliptical wing and a raised rear cockpit. An unusual feature was the fixed undercarriage. Although fixed, the undercarriage was fitted with a retractable fairing. This feature was intended to familiarize student pilots with an undercarriage retraction mechanism but without causing external damage by a forgetful student.

Production was delayed, however, as the first Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) model was not flying until 18 April 1941. The availability of the Fairchild Cornell, and a change in what constituted an "advanced" trainer, led to the contract's being sharply cut back, and only 101 Forts were ultimately delivered to the RCAF between June 1941 and June 1942.[1]

Operational history

Fleet 60K Fort at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Hamilton, Ontario

Initially, the RCAF did not want to order the Model 60K, and their concerns proved valid. Pilot trainees found the Fort relatively easy to master, thereby making it unsuitable for transition to combat aircraft (e.g., Hawker Hurricane). Also, the RCAF decided that pilots who had soloed in Fleet Finches and de Havilland Tiger Moths could proceed to Harvards without training on Forts. The Forts were then used to train wireless operators at No. 2 Wireless School, Calgary and No. 3 Wireless School, Winnipeg.

Two models were built, one having a 250 hp (190 kW) Jacobs engine and the other having a 330 hp (250 kW) Jacobs. The more powerful engine gave the revised Fort a top speed of 193 mph (311 km/h) and the cruising speed 163 mph (262 km/h). It then climbed at 1,650 feet (500 m) per minute and had a range of 610 miles (980 km). Loaded weight was slightly increased to 2,900 pounds (1,300 kg).

The last Forts saw active service in 1944 and they were phased out of use by 1945; the last Model 60K was retired in 1946.

Variants

  • Model 60 : Proposed advanced trainer version, powered by a Jacobs L-7 radial piston engine. Not built.
  • Model 60K : Two-seat intermediate training aircraft for the RCAF. RCAF designation Fort Mk I.
    • Fort Mk II : All 101 production aircraft were converted into wireless training aircraft for the RCAF
  • Model 60L : Proposed version, powered by a Jacobs L-4MB radial piston engine. Not built.

Specifications

Profile views of the Fleet Fort.

Data from Jane's Vintage Aircraft Recognition Guide[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 26 ft 10.3 in (8.18 m)
  • Wingspan: 36 ft 0 in (10.97 m)
  • Height: 8 ft 3 in (2.51 m)
  • Wing area: 216 sq ft (20.07 m2)
  • Empty weight: 2,530 lb (1,149 kg)
  • Gross weight: 3,500 lb (1,589 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Jacobs L-6MB , 330 hp (246 kW)

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 135 mph (217 km/h, 117 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 15,000 ft (4,572 m)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Fleet 60 Fort.

Citations

  1. ^ a b c d e f Holmes 2005, p. 161.

Bibliography

  • Holmes, Tony. Jane's Vintage Aircraft Recognition Guide. London: Harper Collins, 2005. ISBN 0-00-719292-4.
  • Molson, Ken M. and Taylor, Harold A. Canadian Aircraft Since 1909. Stittsville, Ontario: Canada's Wings, Inc., 1982. ISBN 0-920002-11-0.
  • Page, Ron D. and Cumming, William. Fleet: The Flying Years. Erin, Ontario: Boston Mills Press, 1990. ISBN 1-55046-019-6.
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