Swallow Model C Coupé

The Swallow Model C Coupé is an American-built general-purpose high-wing monoplane of the mid 1930s.^[3][4][5] E. B. Christopher, Swallow Aircraft Company president and designer of the Model C, was killed in the crash of an early example that he was flying.^[6]

The Model C is a high-wing, strut-braced monoplane of conventional configuration with an enclosed cabin and fixed tailwheel undercarriage.^[3] Seating is provided for the pilot and one passenger, side-by-side, and the cabin is equipped with dual controls.^[3] Power is supplied by a Menasco C-4 air-cooled inverted inline engine, driving a two-bladed propeller.^[3]

The fuselage and tail is built from welded steel tube, covered in fabric.^[3] The wing is of mixed wood and metal construction, also covered in fabric.^[3] Long V-struts braced the wings to the lower longeron of the fuselage.^[3]

The Model C first flew in January 1936.^[2] In April 1937, Swallow company president E. B. Christopher, who had designed the aircraft, exhibited an example at an air show in Los Angeles.^[6] On April 9, he departed with it, heading to San Francisco with a single passenger aboard, investment broker E. A. Grumm.^[6] Grumm was reportedly interested in arranging finance for Swallow to manufacture the Model C.^[6] According to witnesses, the aircraft was struggling against a headwind as it attempted to navigate Tejon Pass at less than 100 ft (30 m) altitude.^[6] A sudden downdraft blew the aircraft into a ridge, wrecking it and killing both men instantly.^[6]

Following the tragedy, Swallow's new president, Sam Bloomfied, still intended marketing the Model C as late as September 1937.^[7]

Data from Grey & Bridgman 1938, p.303

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Capacity: 1 passenger
• Length: 24 ft 4 in (7.42 m)
• Wingspan: 36 ft 8 in (11.18 m)
• Height: 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m)
• Wing area: 189 sq ft (17.6 m²)
• Empty weight: 1,350 lb (612 kg)
• Gross weight: 1,980 lb (898 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Menasco C-4 4-cylinder, air-cooled inverted inline piston, 125 hp (93 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 145 mph (233 km/h, 126 kn)
• Cruise speed: 135 mph (217 km/h, 117 kn)
• Range: 450 mi (720 km, 390 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 21,000 ft (6,400 m)
• Rate of climb: 850 ft/min (4.3 m/s) (initial)
• Wing loading: 15.8 lb/sq ft (77 kg/m²)

• Grey, C. G.; Bridgman, Leonard (1938). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938. London: Sampson Low, Marston.
• Mondey, David (1978). The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of the World's Aircraft. Secaucus, New Jersey: Chartwell Books.
• "New Type Swallow Being Tested Here". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita. February 2, 1936. p. 3.
• Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions.
• "Test New Plane". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita. March 2, 1936. p. 3.
• "Treacherous Wind Blamed for Crash Fatal to Wichitan". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita. April 10, 1937. p. 5.
• "Wichitans See New Monoplane First Time Sunday". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita. September 27, 1937. p. 5.