The Ryan M-1 was a mail plane produced in the United States in the 1920s, the first original design built by Ryan.[1] It was a conventional gear parasol-wing monoplane with two open cockpits in tandem and fixed, tailskid undercarriage.[2]
The follow-on M-2 was substantially the same as the M-1.[1] The prototype M-1 was originally powered by a Hispano-Suiza 8A, but production examples featured a variety of engines in the same general power range, with the Wright J-4B chosen for nine of the sixteen M-1s built,[1] and the prototype later refitted with this engine.[3]
According to Cassagneres, "Dimensions allowed for a front cockpit that could accommodate two passengers side by side, or one passenger and a sack of mail, or just mail sacks and no passenger. Dual controls were provided, so a passenger flying up front could get in some 'stick time' if he wished. The M-1 cowling had a feature that was to become almost a trademark on all subsequent Ryan models up to the ST. This was the distinctive 'engine-turning' or 'jeweling' effect achieved by burnishing the aluminum.[4]
A M-1 was flown in the 1926 Ford National Reliability Air Tour.[5]
Pacific Air Transport operated J-4B-powered M-1s and M-2s on their demanding Seattle–San Francisco–Los Angeles mail route,[6] while Hispano-Suiza-powered machines flew with Colorado Airways between Cheyenne and Pueblo[1] and Yukon Airways between Whitehorse and Dawson City.[6]
One M-2 (named Bluebird) was built with a fully enclosed cabin for the pilot and four passengers, foreshadowing Ryan's highly successful Brougham series.[6] The standard M-2, meanwhile, was Charles Lindbergh's first choice for his transatlantic flight.[7] His list of requirements for the aircraft soon made it apparent, however, that rather than modifying an M-2, it would be more effective to build an all-new design along the same general lines, which resulted in the Ryan NYP Spirit of St Louis.[7]
The M-1 prototype was restored to flying condition between 1980 and 1984 and is preserved in the Museum of Flight in Seattle.[2] The seventh aircraft is preserved in airworthy condition in Pacific Air Transport markings at the Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum at Creve Coeur airport, Missouri.[8] A replica of an M-1 using a small number of parts from serial number 11 was built by Andy King in 2001, powered by a Lycoming R-680 and also painted in Pacific Air Transport #7's scheme.[9] Serial number 11 is owned and faces a full restoration by John Norman, who crafted the most accurate reproduction of the Spirit of St. Louis ever built.[10] [11] A replica M-1 is exhibited in the San Diego Air & Space Museum.[12]