Husky??

Winner of Attraction Canada Awards
2000 & 2001






FAIRCHILD HUSKY F11-2 C-GCYV

Wingspan: 16.68 m (54' 9")
Length: 11.40 m (37' 5")
Height: 3.1 m (10' 2")
Engine: 550 h.p. Alvis Leonides 503/8
Cruise Speed: 193 km/h (120 mph)
Max. Range: 1046 km (650 miles)


This aircraft was designed and built in Montreal in 1946, by Fairchild Aircraft Ltd. It was intended to replace the pre-war bush planes such as the Norseman and the Fokker. It incorporated many of the features suggested by bush operators, such as the rear loading door, which enabled it to handle long loads. Because of its large cabin area and low-powered engine, it was very easy to overload.


Although the Fairchild Husky had many desirable features, it never became popular because of it’s underpowered 450 h.p. engine. Plans were made to refit the Husky with the 550 h.p. Leonides engine, as is shown on the aircraft on exhibit. The more powerful engine greatly improved performance, but by this time the Fairchild Co. was in financial difficulties. The DeHavilland Beaver was on the market, and was so successful, that Husky production stopped after only twelve had been built.

The Husky was used by the Manitoba Government Air Services (which had three), Sherritt Gordon Mines, Austin Airways, Nickel Belt Airways and others. They usually operated from either skis or floats.

This aircraft (serial #2) was flown from Vancouver to Winnipeg in the summer of 1984 by a Museum member. It is the only remaining Husky still in a complete condition.

"A loaded Husky (450 hp) was trying to take off from Toronto harbor. It headed out from Lake Ontario on its take-off run and disappeared out of sight - still on the water" - WCAM Visitor










Copyright © 2001 Western Canada Aviation Museum