Props4ever

I just stumbled across this very interesting aircraft on A.net, after reading the captions of few pictures on there i couldn't believe that in reality someone would have built a freighter aircraft out of Stainless Steel vs Aluminum!!. Initially i thought it's DC-4 "Carvair" (Sorry can't think of proper designation of the head)

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Budd-...f67b52a427836e

I would be great is more could be found on this airplane and it's history. As it seems of of 17 built only one survives and is waiting for restoration at Pima air and space museum. Wondering if anyone out there ever did built a model of this airplane!.

Bit of it's history:

Budd C-93 picture

The Budd C-93 Conestoga was the first aircraft of original design to be fabricated entirely of shotwelded stainless steel. It was designed to meet a U.S. Navy specification for a twin-engined cargo carrier and troop transport. The Army version was known as the C-93, but the initial order was canceled due to delays caused by manufacturing problems. The Navy version was designated the RB-1, but only 25 of the initial 200 ordered were delivered before cancellation of that order.

Budd C-93/RB-1 Conestoga

Type: transport
Crew: ?
Armament: none

Specifications:
Length: 68' 0 (20.7 m)
Height: 31' 9" (9.68 m)
Wingspan: 100' 0" (30.5 m)
Wing area: 1400 sq. ft. (130 sq. m)
Empty Weight: 20,156 lb (9,150 kg.)
Weight loaded: 33,860 lb (15,372 kg)

Propulsion:
No. of Engines: 2
Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 Twin Wasp radial
Horsepower: 1200 hp each

Performance:
Range: 1620 miles (2590 km)
Cruise Speed: 165 mph (264 km/h)
Max Speed: 197 mph (315.2 km/h)at 7500 ft
Ceiling: (not listed)

Walt Thyng

My Feedback: (9)

Cool, unique plane. Please, I'm not being a smarta, but you describe the Budd as "shotwelded." Is that a typo or is it a real method of welding?
Walt

Walt Thyng

My Feedback: (9)

Okay, I got smart and Googled "shotweld." For the rest of you of limited knowledge, it is a legitimate type of "spotwelding" developed by Budd for use on stainless steel.

Now you can go to bed with a clear conscience - you've learned something (-:
Walt

abufletcher

Reminds me of this:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_90...tm.htm#9071070


BTW, there aren't many threads you can find by searching for "flying water buffalo!"

abufletcher

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shot_welding

Wayne22

My Feedback: (2)

Flying Tigers (the cargo airline) snapped up most of the Budds and used them extensively in their early years before moving on to bigger equipment...

Props4ever

Thanks Wayne with bit more info and history on this very unique and interesting aircraft.

Anyone out there ever built one as RC model, any plans available in any scale for it?....