F-24W-40

The Fairchild F-24W‑40, a late‑model variant of the iconic Fairchild 24 series, entered production in 1937 as the company’s response to the growing demand for reliable, all‑metal, low‑cost aircraft. Built at Fairchild’s Farmingdale plant, the W‑40 incorporated a strengthened wing spar, an upgraded 165‑horsepower Lycoming O‑435 engine, and a revised cabin layout that accommodated four occupants with improved visibility through larger side windows. Its high‑wing configuration, fixed tailwheel undercarriage, and fully riveted aluminum skin gave the aircraft superior durability and ease of maintenance, qualities that proved valuable during both civilian and military service.

During World War II the F‑24W‑40 was supplied to the U.S. Army Air Forces as an observation and liaison platform, and many were later sold to private owners, flying clubs, and flight schools worldwide. The model’s dependable handling, modest operating costs, and ability to operate from short, unprepared fields helped shape general aviation standards in the mid‑20th century. Today, surviving F‑24W‑40s are prized by vintage collectors and museums, symbolizing Fairchild’s pioneering role in transitioning from wood‑and‑fabric biplanes to robust, modern monoplanes that laid the groundwork for today’s light transport aircraft.

Fairchild

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