2-839-672 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Air transport; Three engine; Monoplane. Ford 5-AT Tri-Motor;Affectionately known as the “Tin Goose,” the Ford Tri-Motor was the largest civil aircraft in America when it first flew on August 2, 1926. Its all-metal, corrugated aluminum construction and the prestigious Ford name made it immediately popular with passengers and airline operators. Noisy but reliable, the Ford Tri-Motor played a major role in convincing the public that air travel was safe and practical. The 5-AT, a more powerful version of the earlier 4-AT, had three Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial engines and entered service in 1928. The airplane on display above was restored by American Airlines. Gift of American Airlines;Wingspan:23.7 m (77 ft 10 in);Length:15.2 m (49 ft 10 in);Height:4.2 m (13 ft 8 in);Weight, gross:5,738 kg (12,650 lb);Weight, empty:3,470 kg (7,650 lb);Top speed:217 km/h (135 mph);Engine:3 Pratt & Whitney Wasps, 420 hp;Manufacturer:Stout Metal Airplane Co. (a Division of Ford Motor Co.), 1928