Aircraft Quiz No. 99

[Doug Robertson]

At a glance, one might think of this all metal twin engine twin tail light transport as being a Beech 18, A18, B18, C-18, D-18, C-45, SNB, or even a Lockheed 12 EXCEPT for the fact it has FIXED landing gear and a patented wing construction of multi-spar stressed skin which employed NO wing ribs or bulkheads, but with exceptional bending and torsional strength. What only-possible production certificated all-metal twin tail, twin engine wheel and float undercarriages-capable aircraft of its time am I thinking of?

1. Name of Builder?

2. Aircraft nomenclature?

3a. Engines manufacturer? 3b. Engines full nomenclature and horsepower?

4. Year of first flight?

5. Year of its certification?

[SunvisorFlyer]

Well Doug, that'll be this one:

1. Barkley-Grow Aircraft Corp.

2. T8P-1

3a. Pratt & Whitney
3b. Wasp Junior SB Radial, 400 hp each

4. 1937

5. Unsure... prior to 1940?

[Doug Robertson]

Congratulations to you! The year of Certification was also 1937. Only eleven aircraft were built in 1937 to 1939. A time that America was coming out of the Depression Era. The aircraft had a distinction of serving in Canada's Yukon Territory as the first airline passenger aircraft used with scheduled back-country air service on floats or wheels.

The USA ATC #662 was granted on 30 October 1937. Normal seating was for six passengers with two crew, but it also could serve as a cargo carrier with seats removed. It could also be modified for high density eight seats or an executive custom club interior with four seats, or as an air ambulance. The aircraft was also offered to South American countries as a light bomber, but I know of no takers.

Canada liked the fixed gear which others "panned" because it lent to fast conversion to floats or skis. A passenger version could have a lavatory, cabin heaters, cabin vents, a first aid kit, etc.

Unfortunately, lack of capital did the company in with no further contracts or production. I found four period photos of it, registered NC-18388, NC-18470 and CF-BLV (on tri-gear of Yukon Southern) and CF-BQM on floats.