The Alexander Airplane Company D-1 Flyabout was an early entry into the light aircraft market by the popular biplane aircraft manufacturer.^[2] The aircraft was later manufactured by Aircraft Mechanics, Inc.

Design

The D-1 was a conventional landing geared high winged monoplane with side-by-side seating powered by a 35 hp (26 kW) Continental engine, with a firewall-mounted fuel tank. The cabin featured doors on both sides of the aircraft.^[3] It was the first aircraft certified under new CAA rules for aircraft under 1,000 lb (454 kg).^[4]

Operational history

The prototype's capabilities were demonstrated by flying up to 15,000 ft (4,572 m) above Pikes Peak with the 38 hp (28 kW) model.^[5] Test pilot Proctor Nichols later reported having flown through a tornado formation in the demonstrator returning from the Cleveland National Air Races.^[6]

Variants

D-1

First outfitted with a 35 hp (26 kW) Continental engine.

D-2

Improved model with Szekely engine.^[7]

Specifications (Flyabout D-1)

Data from Popular Aviation

General characteristics

• Capacity: 2
• Length: 21 ft 4 in (6.50 m)
• Wingspan: 37 ft 2 in (11.33 m)
• Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
• Empty weight: 536.5 lb (243 kg)
• Fuel capacity: 8 U.S. gallons (30 L; 6.7 imp gal)
• Powerplant: 1 × continental horizontally opposed piston, 35 hp (26 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 74 kn (85 mph, 137 km/h)
• Cruise speed: 65 kn (75 mph, 121 km/h)
• Stall speed: 30 kn (34 mph, 55 km/h)
• Range: 152 nmi (175 mi, 282 km)
• Rate of climb: 650 ft/min (3.3 m/s)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

• Monocoupe 90

References

External links

• Alexander D-2 registrations