Tony’s Scrapbook: New Ford Giant Plane

Have you ever been in a situation where you go into it with expectations, only to find that you didn’t get anything out of the experience? That happens more often when writing these posts and, recently, in daily life. How do we process a negative experience and turn it into something positive? I’ve been asking myself this question and found a solution that works for me.

Instead of expecting a desired outcome from a particular situation, I keep an open mind and wait to see what I can learn. Sometimes, I’ll get what I seek, but the experience usually drives me in a new direction that I should have realized going into. The result will open new avenues and allow me to discover something new. Case in point: I’m working on the outline for this post on the “New Ford Giant Plane,” but I didn’t realize the historical significance of the Ford Tri-Motor. Thanks for listening, and maybe you’ve experienced something similar. Now, on to the article.

“The New Ford Giant Plane for Forty Passengers Has a Span of 110 Feet. One Hispano-Suiza Motor of 1,100 Horsepower Is Mounted in a Raised Nacelle; Two of 715 Horsepower Each, Geared 2 to 1, Are Streamlined Into the Wing. Landing Gear Is Partially Retractable. Seats Can Be Converted to Berths. A Galley and Two Lavatories Are Provided.”

The Ford Motor Company was involved in the aviation industry during the early 20th century, most notably with the production of the Ford Trimotor, often called the “Tin Goose.” The Trimotor series began production in the late 1920s and was one of the most successful early commercial passenger planes.

Given the year (1932) and the description provided in the image caption, it is possible that this “New Ford Giant Plane” was an advanced or more extensive iteration of the Ford Trimotor. The Trimotor had various versions, some designed for carrying more passengers or for specific purposes such as cargo transport.

Key features of the aircraft described:

• Span: 110 feet, which is quite large for the time, indicating it can carry many passengers (40 in this case).

• Engines: The mention of one Hispano-Suiza motor of 1,100 horsepower and two additional motors of 715 horsepower, each geared 2 to 1, indicates a significant power setup designed to handle the larger size and weight of the plane.

• Retractable Landing Gear: This was an advanced feature at the time, aiming to reduce drag and improve aerodynamic efficiency.

• Convertible Seats: The ability to convert seats to berths suggests it was designed for long-distance travel, providing comfort for passengers.

• Galley and Lavatories: These amenities focus on passenger comfort and convenience, becoming more critical in commercial aviation.

Ford’s foray into aviation was not just a business venture but a testament to the company’s pioneering spirit. This trend was prevalent among automotive companies during the early 20th century, and Ford was at the forefront. These ventures were not just about making profits but about exploring new horizons and leveraging their manufacturing expertise to push the boundaries of aviation. Their boldness and innovation continue to inspire us today.

Overview of Ford’s Trimotor:

• Introduction: The Ford Trimotor was first produced in 1926 by the Ford Motor Company’s Stout Metal Airplane Division. It became one of the most significant early commercial airliners.

• Design: It was an all-metal, high-wing monoplane with three engines, which was quite advanced. The use of corrugated aluminum skin gave it strength and durability.

• Purpose: Designed to be a reliable and versatile aircraft capable of carrying passengers, cargo, and mail.

Features

• Engines: The Trimotor typically had three radial engines, initially Wright J-4 or J-5 Whirlwind engines; later models sometimes used Pratt & Whitney Wasp or Hispano-Suiza engines. This configuration provided extra safety and power, crucial for early aviation.

• Capacity: It could accommodate up to 12 passengers, though some variants and configurations allow for different numbers of passengers and cargo.

• Range and Speed: It had a range of about 570 miles and a cruising speed of approximately 90 mph.

• Construction: Inspired by German engineering (notably Junkers aircraft), the corrugated duralumin construction gave it a distinctive, rugged appearance.

Significance

• Commercial Aviation: The Ford Trimotor was instrumental in developing the commercial aviation industry in the United States. Several early airlines used the Trimotor, including Transcontinental Air Transport (which later became TWA) and Pan American Airways.

• Air Mail: Airmail played a crucial role in carrying airmail, a significant revenue stream for early airlines.

• Versatility: The Trimotor’s versatility made it adaptable in various roles, including as a passenger airliner, cargo transport, and even as a bush plane in remote areas. Its robust design made it suitable for operation in diverse environments.

Historical Impact

• Legacy: The Ford Trimotor celebrates making air travel more reliable and accessible during the 1920s and 1930s. It demonstrated the feasibility of all-metal aircraft and influenced future designs.

• Surviving Examples: Several Ford Trimotors have been preserved in museums and flown occasionally at air shows. These surviving aircraft provide a tangible link to the early days of commercial aviation.

Notable Flights and Operators

• Antarctic Exploration: The Trimotor is the foundation of early Antarctic exploration missions, notably by Admiral Richard E. Byrd.

• Airlines: It served numerous airlines, helping to establish regular passenger and mail routes across the United States and other parts of the world.

The Ford Trimotor’s combination of durability, reliability, and capacity helped to establish it as a cornerstone of early aviation. Its influence extended beyond its immediate operational use, setting the stage for the more advanced airliners that followed.

Since the Trimotor is much smaller than the airplane pictured in the above news clipping, I began to look into the possibility of a larger aircraft produced by Ford around the same time frame. Welcome the unsuccessful model 8-A.

The Ford 8-A, also known as the Ford 8-AT, was a single-engine freighter variant developed by the Ford Motor Company in the early 1930s. Here are some critical details about the aircraft:

Design and Features

• Engine: The Ford 8-A, powered by a 650 horsepower Hispano-Suiza engine.

• Structure: It shared its wing, fuselage, and tail structure with the earlier Ford 5-AT Trimotor, but it removed the outboard engines, resulting in a more streamlined design and reduced drag.

• Performance: It had a maximum speed of 135 mph and a cruising speed of 110 mph. The aircraft had an initial climb rate of 700 feet per minute and a ceiling of 15,000 feet.

• Capacity: The Ford 8-A could carry a payload of 3,500 pounds within its large fuselage, which had a volume of 529 cubic feet. It had a tare weight of 6,100 pounds and a gross weight of 11,000 pounds, allowing for a disposable load of 4,900 pounds. It was capable of flying a range of 500 miles with this payload.

• Dimensions: The aircraft was 50 feet 3 inches long, with a wingspan of 77 feet 10 inches and a height of 12 feet.

Usage

• Cargo Transport: The Ford 8-A was not just a freighter but a game-changer in the world of cargo transport. Its design allowed for the easy conversion of passenger aircraft to freight carriers, a highly beneficial feature for airlines needing to adapt to changing transportation needs. This versatility made the Ford 8-A a key player in the early aviation industry, contributing significantly to the development of cargo transport.

Historical Context

• Transition from Trimotor: The Ford 8-A evolved from the successful Ford Trimotor series. It was designed in the early 1930s to address the growing demand for dedicated freight aircraft, reflecting Ford’s ongoing commitment to innovation in aviation.

The Ford 8-A, a testament to Ford’s commitment to aviation innovation, represents a significant leap in the development of cargo aircraft. It leveraged the successful design elements of the Ford Trimotor and introduced new features, optimizing for efficient and reliable freight transport.

Unfortunately, from 1930, production gradually declined, ceasing entirely in 1933.

Great article, right? And to think, I almost skipped over the small newspaper clipping that Tony saved because it didn’t hold much value. Boy, was I wrong with that judgment, and I’ll learn going forward.

Thanks for making it to the end, and I’ll see you in the next one!