Take to the skies in one of aviation’s most iconic and influential aircraft, the Ford 4-AT Trimotor. Microsoft flight simulatoris the sixth release from Famous Flyer.
The Ford 4-AT Trimotor is every aviator’s dream machine: an all-metal, high-wing, tri-engine passenger and cargo aircraft. Its rugged construction allows it to fly on some of the most demanding airfields in the world, and with its renowned in-flight forgiveness, the Trimotor takes pilot confidence to a new level.
The introduction of the trimotor by Ford Motor Company’s Stout Metal Airplane Division was one of the most important milestones in the early history of commercial passenger aviation. The robust, powerful and comfortable aircraft enabled several long-haul routes, including the route between Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba. Around 100 airlines used the Ford Trimotor during its lifetime, a testament to its reliability and efficiency. The 4-AT even saw limited use in military logistics support.
The aircraft made its maiden flight on June 11, 1926 and entered service later that same year. During a production run from 1926 to 1933, 199 were made. The crew consisted of one or two people and carried up to 12 passengers in total, including the pilot(s). Actively and energetically endorsed by Henry Ford, the Trimotor quickly established itself as one of the beacons of the Golden Age of aviation.
The 4-AT features corrugated aluminum construction on the fuselage, wings, tail section and control surfaces. It is 49 feet, 10 inches long, 11 feet, 9 inches high and has a wingspan of 74 feet. It features a traditional tailplane and standard fixed landing gear. The aircraft can be fitted with floats for water operations or with skis for take-offs and landings on snow or glaciers.
The trimotor is powered by three 300 hp Wright J-6-9 Whirlwind 9-cylinder radial piston engines, each driving a 2-blade fixed-pitch propeller. Under the main wing are two engines, one on each side, suspended from struts. An engine is mounted on the nose of the aircraft. The Trimotor has a range of 570 miles, climbs at 920 feet per minute and has a service ceiling of 16,500 feet above sea level. It has a stall speed of 57 mph, a cruise speed of 115 mph and a top speed of 132 mph.
The Ford 4-AT Trimotor is available in five liveries (Black Ford, Emerald Harbor, New Guinea, Spanish Republic and World Travel) and three undercarriage configurations (Terrestrial with wheels, floats and skis). This classic is available FREE to Simmers for a week today; It will be available starting June 30th at 11:59pm PDT for $14.99. Discover the world from the cockpit of this iconic aircraft, rendered with exquisite detail – the sky is calling!
Microsoft flight simulator