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Home > Fact Sheets > Fokker C-15A
Fokker C-15A
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Like the C-14A, the C-15A was the designation assigned to the Y1C-15 after an engine update. The original Wright R-1750 radial engine was replaced by a Wright R-1820 radial. The new engine was rated at 575 hp, 50 more than the original. In addition to a new engine, the C-15A was fitted with a three-blade propeller in place of the original two-blade prop. The new engine and prop gave the aircraft an increased top speed of 147 mph.
Although the C-15A was slightly faster than the Y1C-15, the same problems existed for both variants of the plane. It was efficient as a medical transport between air fields, but it was unable to operate in remote, unimproved areas. The Army needed an aircraft able to land at or near the site of a crash or battlefield for rapid casualty evacuation, and the C-15A was not able to perform this role.
The Army Air Corps tried for several years in the late 1920s and 1930s to get specialized crash recovery aircraft built, but all attempts failed. The primary reason was lack of funding, so rather than sacrifice bomber and pursuit aircraft purchases, the Air Corps settled for conversions of existing aircraft, mostly in the cargo series.
| Type |
Number built/
converted |
Remarks |
| Y1C-15 |
1 (cv) |
Ambulance version of Y1C-14 |
| C-15 |
- |
Redesignated Y1C-15 |
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Engine: Wright R-1820-5 Cyclone radial of 575 hp
Maximum speed: 147 mph
Cruising speed: 133 mph
Range: 675 miles
Service ceiling: 14,300 ft.
Span: 59 ft. 0 in.
Length: 43 ft. 3 in.
Height: 12 ft. 10 in.
Weight: 7,200 lbs. maximum gross weight
Crew: One (pilot)
Passenger capacity: Three litter patients and two attendants
Serial number: 31-389
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