GH-1

The GH‑1 was the first production model engineered by Howard Aircraft Corporation, a small American firm that emerged in the early 1930s to meet the growing demand for reliable light transport. Designed in 1934 and first flown in the spring of 1935, the GH‑1 entered service just before the United States began expanding its civil‑aviation network. Its all‑metal low‑wing monoplane construction, powered by a 285‑horsepower Wright R‑975 radial engine, gave the aircraft a cruising speed of 155 mph and a range of approximately 800 miles, making it suitable for regional passenger routes and corporate travel. The cockpit featured dual controls and a fully enclosed canopy, while the cabin accommodated up to six passengers in comfortable, sound‑insulated seats. A notable innovation was the retractable landing gear, a rarity for aircraft of its class at the time, which reduced drag and improved fuel efficiency. Although only 42 GH‑1s were built before Howard shifted production to military trainers during World II, the model demonstrated the viability of advanced aerodynamic design for small commercial aircraft and influenced later post‑war transports such as the Howard Model B and the early Cessna series.

Howard Aircraft Corporation

Classification

Design & Classification