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Towle WC

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WC
Role Amphibious aircraft
National origin United States of America
Manufacturer Towle Marine Aircraft Engineering Company
Designer Thomas Towle
First flight November 1928
Introduction 1928
Number built 2
Variants Towle TA-2

The Towle WC, aka Towle TA-1, was a custom built aircraft for a 1929 round-the world flight.

Design and development

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Thomas Towle was an engineer who had been involved with many early aircraft designs. Having just co-designed the Eastman-E2 Sea Rover, Towle was commissioned by Henry McCarroll to promote Detroit's aviation production capabilities.[1]

The WC was a flying boat with an aluminum hull. The strut braced parasol wing was fabric covered.[2][3]

Operational history

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The prototype WC flew as far as Brazil before engine reliability issues forced the cancellation of the round-the-world flight attempt.[4]

Variants

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  • Towle TA-2 Was built as a successor to the WC model

Specifications (Towle WC)

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Data from Flight

General characteristics

  • Capacity: 4
  • Length: 35 ft (11 m)
  • Wingspan: 52 ft (16 m)
  • Empty weight: 2,750 lb (1,247 kg)
  • Gross weight: 4,420 lb (2,005 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Comet R-612 Seven cylinder radial, 150 hp (110 kW) each

Performance

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

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  1. ^ Robert F. Pauley. Michigan Aircraft Manufacturers.
  2. ^ E. R. Johnson. American flying boats and amphibious aircraft: an illustrated history. p. 324.
  3. ^ Flight: 149. 21 Feb 1929. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  4. ^ Robert F. Pauley. Michigan Aircraft Manufacturers.