Consolidated O-17 Courier Explained
The Consolidated O-17 Courier (company designation Model 2) was an observation and training aircraft used by the United States National Guard.
Development
A parallel development to the Consolidated PT-3 series, the XO-17 was a converted PT-3 with such refinements as improved fuselage streamlining, oleo shock absorbers, wheel brakes, balanced elevators and increased fuel capacity.
It was used almost exclusively as a cross-country flying, gunnery, photographic and radio trainer. The O-17 had a removable fairing (carrying a Scarff ring mounting for one .30 cal (7.62 mm) trainable Browning machine gun).
The Royal Canadian Air Force purchased three generally similar aircraft, two Model 7 landplanes and one Model 8 floatplane, the latter with the same float gear as the NY series.
The sole XO-17A was converted from the PT-3 as a demonstrator that failed to secure any orders. It was later fitted with the experimental Packard DR-980 Diesel engine of 225 hp (168 kW).
The Model 15 was also an O-17 type airframe fitted with a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 engine. It too failed to win any contracts.
Variants
- XO-17 (prototype)
Consolidated PT-3 Conversion with a 225 hp (168 kW) Wright R-790-1 engine, streamlined fuselage, modified undercarriage, increased fuel capacity, provision for dual controls and a dorsal 0.3 in (7.62 mm) gun, one conversion.
- O-17 Model 2 Courier
Production version for United States National Guard use, 29 built.
- XO-17A (prototype)
One Consolidated PT-3 converted with a Wright R-790-3 engine intended for export.
- Model 7 (RCAF landplane)
Royal Canadian Air Force, two built.
- Model 8 (RCAF floatplane)
Royal Canadian Air Force, one built.
- XPT-8 (demonstrator)
The airframe of the XO-17A prototype fitted with a Packard DR-980 Diesel engine of 225 hp (168 kw), scrapped in 1932.
- XPT-8A
A single PT-3A (29-115) similarly converted with a Packard DR-980 Diesel engine with Project Number 'P-564',[1] but returned to PT-3A configuration.[2] The airframe was subsequently lost in a fatal midair with a P-12C of the 17th Pursuit Squadron 2 miles W of New Baltimore, Michigan on 17 December 1931.[3]
- Model 15 (demonstrator)
Conversion with a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 engine.Operators
Canada
United States
See also
Notes and References
- Web site: 1922-1929 USAAS-USAAC Serial Numbers.
- Andrade, John M. U.S. Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Earl Shilton, Leicester: Midland Counties Publications, 1979., page 198.
- Web site: 1931 USAAC Accident Reports.
