H-Series Metalplane

The Hamilton H‑Series Metalplane is a landmark twin‑engine transport that entered service in 1964, marking Hamilton Aircraft’s first fully metal, pressurized airliner. Developed from the company’s earlier wooden trainers, the H‑Series combined a sleek low‑wing monocoque fuselage with a 30‑foot wingspan and incorporated the newly available Alclad aluminum alloy, which gave the aircraft superior corrosion resistance and a longer service life than its contemporaries. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT12A turbojets, the plane could cruise at 480 km/h and carry up to 68 passengers over 2,300 km, making it ideal for regional routes across Europe and North America. Its innovative triple‑redundant hydraulic system, electrically actuated flaps, and an integrated weather‑radar cockpit set new standards for safety and operational flexibility. The H‑Series earned a reputation for reliability, which helped Hamilton secure a dominant market share in the short‑haul sector throughout the 1970s. Though production ceased in 1981, the aircraft’s design principles—lightweight metal construction, modular interior layouts, and advanced avionics—directly influenced later models such as the Hamilton Falcon and the modern low‑cost carriers’ fleet. Today, preserved examples are displayed in several aviation museums, underscoring the H‑Series Metalplane’s lasting impact on commercial aviation.

Hamilton

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