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Ingenium Canada Aviation and Space Museum

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Fairchild PT-26B Cornell III

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Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday to Monday
Address
11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa, ON
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Browse all Visitor Information for Canada Aviation and Space Museum
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Fairchild PT-26B Cornell III

Fairchild PT-26B Cornell III

Highlights:

  • An American Second World War monoplane primary trainer designed by Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation and produced from 1940 to 1944
  • Based on the PT-19, which replaced U.S. Army Air Forces biplane trainers
  • Ordered by the RCAF to replace the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan's de Havilland Tiger Moths and Fleet Finches
  • Modified with enclosed cockpits and improved heating systems for the Canadian climate
  • Made in Canada by Fleet Aircraft Limited
  • Twenty Canadian-built Cornells were used by the Royal Norwegian Air Force's "Little Norway" wartime bases in Ontario
  • Sold for civilian use postwar but became unpopular due to the upkeep required as wooden wings aged
  • First flight was on July 9, 1942

Image Gallery:

CASM-13583

CASM-13971

CASM-1962

History:

The Fairchild Cornell was the successor to the Tiger Moth and Fleet Finch for elementary pilot training in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan . The RCAF version, which served until 1947, was the Cornell III, manufactured by Fleet Aircraft, Fort Erie, Ontario. In late 1943 a series of wing failures occurred, requiring reinforcement of the main spar. After the war many Cornells were sold for civilian use, but the wing spar problem continued and required stringent annual inspections. This weakness greatly reduced their popularity. Canada built 1 642.

Although Cornells were also manufactured in Canada for the US Army Air Forces, none was delivered there. Most of the US Army Air Forces order was sent to the RAF under lend-lease, with the balance going to the RCAF. Twenty Canadian-built Cornells were used by the Royal Norwegian Air Force at their two wartime bases in Ontario. Some Canadian-built Cornell IIs were shipped to Africa and India to be used in training schools.

Current Location:

British Commonwealth Air Training Plan Exhibition, Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Provenance:

Transfer from the Royal Canadian Air Force

This Cornell III was manufactured by Fleet Aircraft Limited in Fort Erie, Ontario in July 1942. It was issued to the RCAF No. 4 Training Command in Regina, Saskatchewan, and served in BCATP Elementary Flying Training Schools until July 1944.

From 1944 to 1962, it was stored in various RCAF depots, mainly in Western Canada. It was displayed at Rockcliffe airport for Air Force Day in April1962. The aircraft was made part of the RCAF's historic aircraft collection at Rockcliffe airport in 1964, and was transferred to the Museum later that year.

Technical Information:

Wing Span 11.3 m (36 ft 11 3/16 in)
Length 8.7 m (28 ft 8 in)
Height 2.3 m (7 ft 7 1/2 in)
Weight, Empty 917 kg (2,022 lb)
Weight, Gross 1,241 kg (2,736 lb)
Cruising Speed 162 km/h (101 mph)
Max Speed 196 km/h (122 mph)
Rate of Climb 197 m (645 ft) /min
Service Ceiling 4,020 m (13,200 ft)
Range 692 km (430 mi)
Power Plant one Ranger 6-440-65, 200 hp, inverted in-line engine

Fairchild PT-26B Cornell III

AVIATION
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Artifact No.
1967.0656
Manufacturer
Fleet Aircraft Ltd
Manufacturer Location
Canada
Manufacture Date
1942
Acquisition Date
1964
Registration Number
10738 (RCAF)
  • View all the collection highlights at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum
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About Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Located on a former military air base just five kilometers from the Prime Minister’s residence at 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum focuses on aviation in Canada within an international context – from its beginnings in 1909 to today.
Read more about the museum

Contact Us

Canada Aviation and Space Museum
11 Aviation Parkway
Ottawa ON K1K 2X5
Canada

613-991-3044
1-866-442-4416
contact@IngeniumCanada.org
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  • Plan Your Visit
    • Health and Safety
    • Hours
    • Admission
    • Location and Directions
    • Accessibility
    • Browse All Visitor Information
    • Buy Tickets
    • Online Resources for Science at Home
    • About the Museum
  • What's On at the Museum
    • Events
    • Exhibitions
    • Flights and Simulations
    • Spaces and Studios
  • Bookings and Rentals
    • School Programs
    • Summer Camps
    • Venue Rentals
    • Travelling Exhibitions
    • Virtual Field Trips
    • Group Visits
    • Birthday Parties
  • Educational Programs
    • School Programs
    • Virtual Field Trips
    • Program Location
      • At the Museum
      • At your School
      • Online
      • Browse all Educational Programs
    • Popular Links
      • 3D Educational Resources
      • Digital Learning Kits
      • Games and Apps
      • Online Resources for Science at Home
      • Try This Out
  • Collection and Research
    • Research Institute
    • Research Projects
    • Collection Resources
      • Ingenium Collection
      • Collection Highlights
      • Conservation and Collection Services
    • Library and Archives
      • Library and Archives Services
      • Library Catalogue
      • Digital Archives
    • Open Access
      • Ingenium APIs
      • Open Data
      • Open Documents
  • Projects and Initiatives
    • Ingenium Channel
    • The Legacy Series
    • Let's Talk Energy