The Fairchild Model 24 aka Argus/UC-61 Forwarder or Fairchild Model 24 Argus, was designed by the Fairchild Aviation Corp. in the early 1930s. The US Army Air Corps called it the UC-61. Roughly 2000 civilian and 2000 military 24 series aircraft were produced through 1946.
I put the project on the back burner while I enjoyed the summer on my boat, and flying other aircraft. But now it's time to move it forward.
After talking to Randy B and others, I've decided against repairing the 185. It was a helicopter engine anyway, designed to run a gearbox, not a prop. I don't want to invest large dollars in old castings that might crack again. Yet, I don't want to go to a 165 -- the thing wasn't overpowered even with the 185. And my wife vetoed the idea of a Ranger conversion -- she insists on a radial.
So it's a change to the W-670, a Jacobs, or the AL-14 series radial engine.
The STCs on file with the FAA are 1960, way out of date.
Can anyone put me in touch with an owner of a converted F-24? I'd sure like to have a chat.
Dave ,
I owned a F24W41A that had been converted to a 245 Jacobs ,
I believe it was one of ServAeros STC ‘s from the 60’s
They also had an STC for the Continental 220/240 R670 engines
Serv Aero I believe was in Salinas ,Ca .
I don’t think they offer the STC’s any longer ,
The engine mount is the tough item to find .
I loved my Jacobs powered F-24 though heavy empty I routinely operated it at the military approved gross Of 2880 lbs , with the HS prop the conversion adds about 200 lbs .
In Canada you might be able to do the conversion under Canada’s
Owner maintained maintenance program ,
The conversion is not for the faint of heart !
Thanks ,
Jim J