Fairchild Aircraft

Fairchild Aircraft was an American aircraft and aerospace manufacturing enterprise created by Sherman Fairchild in 1924 as Fairchild Aviation Corporation. It began in New York as a corporate vehicle for Fairchild’s aviation interests and developed aircraft in response to a practical problem: existing airplanes were not stable enough for high-quality aerial photography. The resulting FC-1 and related designs introduced features that included an enclosed cockpit and hydraulic landing gear, while the company’s later Fairchild 71 became part of a broader family of photographic and utility aircraft. Fairchild aircraft were used in surveying, mapping, exploration, military liaison, and general aviation; an FC-2 was flown by Richard E. Byrd during his Antarctic expedition. The company expanded through acquisitions and affiliated businesses. It purchased a majority interest in Kreider-Reisner Aircraft Company in 1929 and moved its principal aircraft operations to Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1931. It also established an engine business through the 1925 purchase of the Caminez Engine Company. During the Second World War, Fairchild manufactured large numbers of PT-19, PT-23, and PT-26 Cornell trainers, AT-21 Gunner trainers, C-82 Packet transports, drones, and military versions of the Fairchild 24. The company ranked 73rd among United States corporations by the value of wartime military production contracts. After the war, Fairchild became increasingly important as both an aircraft producer and an aerospace subcontractor. The C-82 led to the C-119 Flying Boxcar, a twin-boom transport used to carry cargo, personnel, vehicles, and paratroops. More than 1,100 C-119s were produced before the end of production in 1955, and many later served as aerial waterbombers. Fairchild also developed or produced the C-123 Provider, Fairchild F-27 and Fairchild Hiller FH-227 airliners, and the Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner commuter aircraft. It acquired helicopter and aircraft businesses, including American Helicopter Company, Hiller Aircraft, and Republic Aviation. A major part of Fairchild’s postwar identity came from defense and aerospace manufacturing. It built B-52 fuselage sections and wing panels for Boeing, F-4 Phantom II tail sections for McDonnell Douglas, F-14 Tomcat tail assemblies for Grumman, and Space Shuttle orbiter stabilizers. Its Fairchild Republic division developed the A-10 Thunderbolt II, which won the United States Air Force A-X competition against Northrop’s YA-9. The A-10 became Fairchild’s best-known combat aircraft, although the company’s T-46 jet trainer failed to replace the Cessna T-37 because of performance and program issues. Following Sherman Fairchild’s death, the enterprise adopted the Fairchild Industries name in 1971, consolidating several aviation, aerospace, electronics, arms, seating, and related subsidiaries. Aircraft production at Hagerstown ended in 1984, but the wider organization continued through structures, components, aircraft services, and civil-aircraft activities. In 1996, it acquired Dornier’s civil assets and became Fairchild Dornier, later producing the Dornier 328 under license. Fairchild Aerospace was acquired in 1999 by Allianz and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice for a reported $1.2 billion. The remaining Fairchild assets were purchased by M7 Aerospace in 2003 and moved to San Antonio. M7 later became part of Elbit Systems’ United States operations in 2010. M7 Aerospace no longer manufactured complete aircraft and concentrated on aerospace parts and support services, marking the end of Fairchild Aircraft as an independent aircraft manufacturer.

Fairchild Aircraft originated in Sherman Fairchild’s interest in aerial photography. Existing aircraft did not provide the stability, altitude performance, and visibility he wanted for photographic surveying, so the Fairchild organization developed the FC-1 and subsequent aircraft. The company was incorporated in 1924 as Fairchild Aviation Corporation, with operations initially based in Farmingdale and East Farmingdale, New York. A related Canadian subsidiary operated in Longueuil, Quebec, from the 1920s through 1950. Fairchild also entered engine manufacturing after acquiring the Caminez Engine Company in 1925. The early Fairchild designs, extending from the FC-1 through the Fairchild 71, were used for aerial photography, mapping, exploration, and utility work. In 1929, Sherman Fairchild acquired a majority interest in Kreider-Reisner Aircraft Company, and the organization moved to Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1931. In 1935, the United States government engaged Fairchild for aerial photographic surveys intended to document soil erosion and its effects. A Fairchild FC-2 also accompanied Richard E. Byrd’s Antarctic expedition. During the Second World War, Fairchild became a substantial military contractor. Its production included the PT-19, PT-23, and PT-26 Cornell primary trainers, the twin-engine AT-21 Gunner trainer, C-82 Packet transports, military derivatives of the Fairchild 24, and unmanned aircraft. AT-21 production used a former rayon mill in Burlington, North Carolina. The company ranked 73rd among United States corporations in the value of wartime military production contracts. The C-82 became the basis for the C-119 Flying Boxcar, whose first flight took place in November 1947. The C-119 was designed for tactical transport and could carry cargo, troops, vehicles, and stretcher patients, as well as perform paradrops. More than 1,100 were produced through 1955 for the United States Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, and other operators. Many surplus aircraft were later converted into waterbombers. Fairchild also participated in the development of the C-123 Provider, based on the Chase XCG-20 glider, which entered service in 1955. Fairchild diversified during the 1950s and 1960s. It acquired American Helicopter Company in 1954 and obtained rights to produce the Fokker Friendship, resulting in the Fairchild F-27 and Fairchild Hiller FH-227. The company was a significant subcontractor for Boeing B-52 structures and later produced components for the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, Grumman F-14 Tomcat, and Space Shuttle orbiters. It purchased Hiller Aircraft in 1964, adopted the Fairchild Hiller name, and produced the FH-1100 helicopter until the helicopter division was sold back to Stanley Hiller in 1973. In 1965, Fairchild acquired Republic Aviation, adding another major military-aircraft business. After Sherman Fairchild’s death, the organization changed its name to Fairchild Industries in 1971. The new structure brought together Fairchild-Hiller, Fairchild Aircraft Marketing, Fairchild Aircraft Services, Fairchild Republic, Fairchild Space and Electronics, Fairchild Stratos, Burns Aero Seat, and other affiliated businesses. The company acquired Swearingen and produced the Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner, including military C-26 versions. In the same period, Fairchild Republic developed the A-10 Thunderbolt II. The A-10 won the Air Force A-X competition against the Northrop YA-9 and ultimately reached a production run of 716 aircraft. Fairchild also developed the T-46 jet trainer as a proposed replacement for the Cessna T-37 Tweet. The program was not accepted by the Air Force because of performance problems. Although complete-aircraft production at Hagerstown ended in 1984, Fairchild remained involved in aerospace structures and components, including Boeing 747 and 757 wing-control surfaces. The company later returned to civil-aircraft manufacturing through its acquisition of Dornier’s civil assets in 1996, becoming Fairchild Dornier and beginning licensed Dornier 328 production in 1998. In December 1999, Fairchild Aerospace Corporation was acquired by Allianz and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. Fairchild’s assets were subsequently purchased by M7 Aerospace in 2003, and the successor organization was moved to San Antonio. M7 did not resume complete-aircraft manufacturing; instead, it concentrated on aerospace parts and support services. Elbit Systems’ United States subsidiary acquired M7 Aerospace on December 15, 2010. These successive reorganizations ended Fairchild Aircraft as an independent manufacturer while preserving portions of its engineering, manufacturing, and support heritage in later aerospace businesses.

1. 2010M7 Aerospace joins Elbit Systems

   Elbit Systems’ United States subsidiary acquires M7 Aerospace.

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2. 2003M7 Aerospace acquires Fairchild assets

   M7 Aerospace purchases the assets and relocates the successor operation to San Antonio.

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3. 1999Fairchild Aerospace is sold

   Allianz and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice acquire Fairchild Aerospace Corporation.

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4. 1998Dornier 328 production begins under license

   Fairchild Dornier begins licensed production of the Dornier 328.

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5. 1996Fairchild Dornier is formed

   The company takes over Dornier’s civil assets and adopts the Fairchild Dornier name.

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6. 1984Hagerstown aircraft production ends

   Fairchild stops producing complete aircraft at its Hagerstown facility.

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7. 1971Fairchild Industries name adopted

   Following Sherman Fairchild’s death, the wider organization is reorganized under the Fairchild Industries name.

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8. 1971A-10 wins the A-X competition

   Fairchild Republic’s A-10 design defeats Northrop’s YA-9 and proceeds toward production.

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9. 1965Republic Aviation acquisition

   Fairchild acquires Republic Aviation, strengthening its military-aircraft portfolio.

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10. 1964Hiller Aircraft acquisition

    Fairchild purchases Hiller Aircraft and expands its helicopter business.

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11. 1947C-119 Flying Boxcar first flight

    The C-119 makes its first flight and becomes a major postwar transport program.

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12. 1935United States aerial-survey contract

    Fairchild is hired to conduct aerial photographic surveys concerning soil erosion.

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13. 1931Operations move to Hagerstown

    The main aircraft operation relocates to Hagerstown, Maryland.

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14. 1929Kreider-Reisner acquisition

    Sherman Fairchild purchases a majority interest in Kreider-Reisner Aircraft Company.

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15. 1925Fairchild enters engine manufacturing

    The company forms the Fairchild Engine Company through the acquisition of the Caminez Engine Company.

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16. 1924Fairchild Aviation Corporation is established

    Sherman Fairchild establishes the company in the New York area as the parent organization for his aviation interests.

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A diversified aerospace manufacturer serving military procurement, civil aviation, aircraft-component supply, aerial surveying, and space-system programs.

• Fairchild FC-1 and FC-2Aerial photography and utility aircraft

  The FC-1 and FC-2 were among Fairchild’s pioneering enclosed-cockpit aircraft, developed to provide greater stability and better working conditions for aerial photography. They established the design direction that led to later Fairchild photographic, surveying, and utility aircraft. An FC-2 was used during Richard E. Byrd’s Antarctic expedition.

• Fairchild 24Utility aircraft

  The Fairchild 24 was a light utility aircraft produced for civilian and military customers. During the Second World War, substantial numbers were supplied for military use, with the Royal Air Force operating the type as the Argus. Production continued after the war for the civilian market.

• PT-19, PT-23, and PT-26 CornellMilitary trainer aircraft

  The Cornell family formed a major part of Fairchild’s wartime trainer production. These aircraft were used to provide basic flight training to military pilots during the Second World War and were manufactured in several related configurations, including the PT-19, PT-23, and PT-26.

• AT-21 GunnerTwin-engine military trainer

  The AT-21 Gunner was a twin-engine trainer built for wartime military instruction. Fairchild produced the aircraft at a former rayon mill in Burlington, North Carolina, adding a specialized training product to its wartime manufacturing program.

• C-82 PacketMilitary transport aircraft

  The C-82 Packet was a twin-boom military transport that provided the conceptual and structural foundation for the later C-119 Flying Boxcar. It was designed for the movement of cargo and personnel and formed an important bridge between Fairchild’s wartime production and its postwar transport business.

• C-119 Flying BoxcarTactical transport aircraft1947

  The C-119 was a twin-boom tactical transport capable of carrying cargo, personnel, stretcher patients, and mechanized equipment. Its rear loading arrangement supported paradrops of supplies and troops. More than 1,100 were built through 1955 for the United States, Canada, and other operators; many retired examples were converted into waterbombers.

• C-123 ProviderMilitary transport aircraft1955

  The C-123 Provider developed from the Chase XCG-20 glider after Fairchild acquired the relevant program in the postwar period. It entered service in 1955 as a transport aircraft, extending Fairchild’s role in tactical airlift and military logistics.

• Fairchild F-27 and Fairchild Hiller FH-227Regional and commuter aircraft1956

  Fairchild obtained production rights for the Fokker Friendship and built the aircraft as the Fairchild F-27. A stretched derivative was produced as the Fairchild Hiller FH-227. Together, the programs connected Fairchild with the growing postwar regional-airline and commuter-aircraft market.

• FH-1100Helicopter

  The FH-1100 was produced through Fairchild’s helicopter activities after the acquisition of Hiller Aircraft. The helicopter division later returned to Stanley Hiller in 1973, ending Fairchild’s direct association with this product line.

• Fairchild Swearingen MetrolinerCommuter aircraft

  The Metroliner was a successful twin-engine commuter aircraft manufactured after Fairchild acquired Swearingen. Its civil sales and later military C-26 versions gave Fairchild a continuing presence in both regional airline service and government aviation operations.

• A-10 Thunderbolt IIClose-air-support attack aircraft1971

  Developed by Fairchild Republic, the A-10 Thunderbolt II was designed for close air support and battlefield attack. It won the United States Air Force A-X competition against Northrop’s YA-9 and achieved a reported production run of 716 aircraft, becoming Fairchild’s most prominent combat-aircraft program.

• T-46Jet trainer aircraft

  The T-46 was Fairchild’s proposed replacement for the Cessna T-37 Tweet basic jet trainer. The United States Air Force did not accept the program because of performance problems, making it an example of a major Fairchild development that did not enter operational service.

• Dornier 328Regional aircraft1998

  After taking over Dornier’s civil assets, Fairchild Dornier began licensed production of the Dornier 328 in 1998. The program represented Fairchild’s late return to complete civil-aircraft manufacturing before the company’s later asset sales and restructuring.

• 2003Sale of Fairchild assets to M7 AerospaceM&A

  Fairchild’s aircraft manufacturing identity had been fragmented by earlier reorganizations, asset sales, and the end of Hagerstown production.

  What changed. M7 Aerospace purchased the Fairchild assets and moved the successor business to San Antonio.

  Aftermath. M7 Aerospace did not manufacture complete aircraft and instead focused on aerospace parts and support services, effectively ending Fairchild Aircraft as an independent aircraft producer.

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• 1999Sale of Fairchild AerospaceM&A

  Fairchild’s aerospace activities had become part of a diversified and increasingly complex corporate structure.

  What changed. Allianz and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice acquired Fairchild Aerospace Corporation.

  Aftermath. The transaction transferred control of the aerospace business to new owners and preceded the later sale of Fairchild assets to M7 Aerospace.

  Reported acquisition value. $1.2 billion (December 1999)

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• 1996Acquisition of Dornier civil assetsM&A

  Fairchild sought to maintain a role in civil aviation after the decline of its traditional complete-aircraft production at Hagerstown.

  What changed. The company acquired Dornier’s civil assets and adopted the Fairchild Dornier name.

  Aftermath. Fairchild Dornier began licensed Dornier 328 production in 1998, although the wider business was later sold and reorganized.

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• 1984End of complete-aircraft production at HagerstownStrategy

  Fairchild’s business had increasingly expanded into subcontract manufacturing, aerospace structures, and support activities.

  What changed. The company ended aircraft production at its Hagerstown, Maryland, facility.

  Aftermath. Fairchild continued aerospace manufacturing and component work, including structures for Boeing aircraft, but Hagerstown ceased to be a complete-aircraft production center.

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• 1971Reorganization under the Fairchild Industries nameStrategy

  Following the death of founder Sherman Fairchild, the organization contained numerous aviation, aerospace, electronics, arms, and support businesses that had developed under related Fairchild names.

  What changed. The company consolidated the wider group under the Fairchild Industries name while retaining specialized divisions such as Fairchild Republic, Fairchild Space and Electronics, and Fairchild Aircraft Services.

  Aftermath. The reorganization broadened the group beyond complete aircraft manufacturing and supported later defense, structures, civil-aircraft, and aerospace-component activities.

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• 1971Selection of the A-10 designProduct launch

  The United States Air Force conducted the A-X competition to select a specialized close-air-support aircraft.

  What changed. Fairchild Republic’s A-10 design was selected over Northrop’s YA-9 and advanced to production.

  Aftermath. The program produced 716 aircraft and became the defining military-aircraft achievement of the Fairchild organization.

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• 2010Elbit Systems acquires M7 Aerospace

  Elbit Systems’ United States subsidiary purchased M7 Aerospace. The successor business focused on aerospace parts and support rather than complete-aircraft production.

  M&A
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• 2003M7 Aerospace purchases Fairchild assets

  M7 Aerospace acquired Fairchild’s assets and moved the successor company to San Antonio, ending Fairchild’s existence as an independent aircraft manufacturer.

  M&A
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• 1999Fairchild Aerospace is acquired by Allianz and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice

  The aerospace business was acquired by German insurer Allianz and United States investment group Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in a reported transaction valued at $1.2 billion.

  M&A
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• 1996Fairchild acquires Dornier civil assets

  The company took over Dornier’s civil aircraft assets and adopted the Fairchild Dornier name.

  M&A
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• 1984Fairchild ends aircraft production at Hagerstown

  Complete-aircraft production at the Maryland facility ended, although the broader Fairchild organization continued in aerospace components and related activities.

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• 1971Fairchild Republic wins the A-X competition with the A-10

  Fairchild Republic’s A-10 design defeated Northrop’s YA-9 in the United States Air Force competition for a close-air-support aircraft.

  Product launch
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• 1964Fairchild acquires Hiller Aircraft

  The acquisition expanded Fairchild’s helicopter activities and supported the Fairchild Hiller identity and FH-1100 production.

  M&A
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• 1947Fairchild begins production of the C-119 Flying Boxcar

  The C-119 made its first flight and became one of Fairchild’s most important postwar military transport programs.

  Product launch
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• 1931Fairchild moves its principal aircraft operations to Hagerstown

  The company relocated its main aircraft operations from the New York area to Hagerstown, Maryland, which remained a major Fairchild manufacturing center for decades.

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1. Fairchild Aircraft