Fairchild F-27

The Fairchild F‑27 was the United States‑built version of the Dutch‑designed Fokker F27 Friendship, a medium‑sized, high‑wing turboprop introduced in the late 1950s. After Fokker’s successful prototype first flew in 1955, Fairchild obtained a license to produce the type for the North American market, beginning assembly at its San Diego plant in 1958. Over the next decade the company delivered more than 300 aircraft to airlines and regional carriers, making the F‑27 a cornerstone of post‑war short‑haul service.

Powered by two Rolls‑Royce Dart turboprop engines, the F‑27 could carry 40‑48 passengers in a fully pressurized cabin, offering a range of roughly 1,000 nautical miles and impressive short‑runway performance. Its all‑metal construction, low‑slung wing, and reliable systems reduced operating costs compared with contemporary piston twins, while the spacious fuselage accommodated freight as well as passengers. Variants such as the longer FH‑227 further expanded its utility.

The aircraft’s impact on aviation was substantial: it demonstrated the commercial viability of turboprop regional airliners, spurred the growth of feeder networks, and set design benchmarks that influenced later models. Even after production ceased in 1972, many F‑27s continued in service for decades, and several are preserved in museums, underscoring the type’s lasting legacy.

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