The story
Fairchild built the Model 24 during the Depression as a rugged, affordable cabin plane for private owners. It borrowed from the car industry, down to expansion-shoe brakes and roll-down windows. It first flew in 1931 as a two-seater, grew to four seats, and stayed in production until 1948. In the war it served as the UC-61 Forwarder in the US and the Argus in Britain, where most flew with the Air Transport Auxiliary, carrying ferry pilots to and from the aircraft they delivered.
Early in the Second World War, the Civil Air Patrol fitted some Model 24s with two 100-pound bombs and flew them on patrols against German U-boats off the US East Coast.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Fairchild 24 Argus?
High wing braced by a pair of struts each side, over a roomy four-seat cabin, with fixed tailwheel gear. Two noses: Warner-powered versions (24W, UC-61, Argus I and II) have a blunt round radial cowl, while Ranger-powered ones (24R, UC-61K, Argus III) have a slimmer, tapered nose for the inline engine. Models from 1938 on have a more graceful rounded rudder and fin, the same shape later used on Fairchild's PT-series trainers.
What does a Fairchild 24 Argus sound like?
Either the beat of a seven-cylinder Warner radial or the smoother note of an inverted six-cylinder Ranger.
How fast is the Fairchild 24 Argus?
Top speed is 120 kts (138 mph) (24R-9).
How many passengers does the Fairchild 24 Argus carry?
Up to 3. A typical layout is Four seats in an enclosed cabin.
How far can the Fairchild 24 Argus fly?
Range is about 452 nmi (24R-9).
How big is the Fairchild 24 Argus?
It is 24 ft 10 in (24R-9) long and 36 ft 4 in (24R-9) across the wings.
When did the Fairchild 24 Argus first fly?
Its first flight was in 1931.
How many Fairchild 24 Arguss have been built?
About 2,200 (all models, 1932-1948) built.
How rare is a Fairchild 24 Argus in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first Fairchild 24 Argus catch is worth 25 points.
