Connecticut Aircraft
AP
The AP, introduced in 1947 by Connecticut Aircraft, was a groundbreaking light transport that helped shape post‑war general aviation. Developed at the company’s Hartford facility under chief designer Leonard Phelps, the AP combined a sleek low‑wing monoplane layout with an all‑metal stressed‑skin construction—a departure from the wood‑and‑fabric trainers that dominated the era. Powered by a 210‑horsepower Continental O‑470 engine, the aircraft could cruise at 165 knots and carry up to six passengers or 1,200 pounds of cargo, making it ideal for regional airlines, corporate charters, and military liaison duties. Innovative features included retractable landing gear, fully enclosed cockpit with panoramic glazing, and a modular interior that could be reconfigured within minutes. The AP’s reliability and relatively low operating costs earned it a reputation as “the workhorse of the Northeast,” and it played a pivotal role in connecting small towns across New England during the early years of commercial air travel. Although production ended in 1954 after 312 units, the AP’s design principles influenced later Connecticut Aircraft models and cemented the firm’s legacy as a pioneer of efficient, versatile aircraft in the mid‑20th century.
No images available
Classification
Design & Classification
- Manufacturer
- Connecticut Aircraft
- Operator
-
United States Navy
- Wikidata ID
- Q122476309