Towle WC explained

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

Design and development

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

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

Variants

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

Notes and References

1. Book: Michigan Aircraft Manufacturers. Robert F. Pauley.
2. Book: American flying boats and amphibious aircraft: an illustrated history. E. R. Johnson. 324.
3. Flight. 21 Feb 1929. 149.
4. Book: Michigan Aircraft Manufacturers. Robert F. Pauley.