Model 17 Fleetster

The Consolidated Model 17 Fleetster emerged in the early 1930s as a versatile, all‑metal, twin‑engine monoplane that embodied the transition from biplane utility aircraft to more streamlined designs. First flown in 1930, the Fleetster was built by Consolidated Aircraft in Buffalo, New York, and quickly attracted interest from both civilian operators and the U.S. military. Its 1,200‑horse‑power Wright R‑1820 Cyclone engines powered a low‑wing airframe with a spacious cabin that could be configured for executive transport, cargo, or air‑mail service, while a reinforced version served as a reconnaissance and light‑bombardment platform for the Army Air Corps.

Key features included a fully retractable landing gear—an uncommon innovation for the era—a streamlined fuselage with a smooth aluminum skin, and a generous payload capacity of up to 2,500 pounds. The Fleetster’s range of roughly 800 miles and cruising speed near 200 mph made it competitive with contemporary European designs. Though production numbers remained modest, the aircraft demonstrated the practicality of multi‑role monoplane concepts and helped pave the way for Consolidated’s later successes, such as the iconic B‑24 Liberator. Its blend of speed, reliability, and adaptability secured the Model 17 a notable place in early commercial and military aviation history.