Shipbucket

Main FRCA thread

FD-scale designs for the Federal Republic of Central America.

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Fairey Fantome
2 examples were imported from Belgium in 1937 and used by the state-operated FCA (Federal Corporación Aeronáutico) for testing and research.


Aircraft in early air force livery.


Development model with experimental variable-pitch propellor and enclosed canopy

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Curtiss A-12 Shrike

14 aircraft were purchased from the USA in 1936 to form the FRCA's first ground-attack squadron.


In early livery, with experimental camouflage scheme.


Four examples were modified by the FCA and renamed the Alcaudon. A new rudder section, wind-tunnel tested undercarriage fairing and enclosed canopy were combined with a indigenous radial engine to create a poor-performing and already outdated aircraft in 1938.

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FCA Espada

The FCA's first operational military aircraft, in use by 1939, was powered by an improved indigenous radial engine design. All though fairly obsolete by world standards (and armed with only two machine guns), the Espada was a reliable and popular aircraft, equipping two fighter squadrons of the air force.


12th Fighter Squadron, 1940


The floatplane version of the Espada, the standard catapult-launched floatplane for the navy during the war years.

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FCA Aguila

Designed and built around a number of imported Merlin engines, the Aguila was a fairly modern fighter design. Armed with two 20mm cannons and two machine guns, it was a well armed design, but due to a lack of suitable in-line engines sustained production was forestalled.


M.1 Aguila, 2nd fighter squadron 1942

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FCA Gavilan

Based on the successful Aguila airframe, the Gavilan was powered by the FCA's improved radial engine. The small, yet high performing aircraft entered service in 1941.


Gavilan M.1, 12th Fighter squadron 1942


The Gavilan M.2 had improved visibility with a new rear canopy section and cut-away fuselage. FCA Prototype, 1943

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F4U-1 Corsair

Purchased from the USA following the close of the war, the F4U was the FRCA's prime fighter aircraft for a number of years.


12th fighter squadron, 1946

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P-51D Mustang

Again, purchased from the USA post-war, the P-51D was originally intended to equip fighter squadron but was soon re-assigned to bomber units for a ground attack role. In later decades some were retained for counter-insurgency missions.


1st Fighter squadron, 1946


10th Squadron, 1948


6th Squadron, 1959

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Nice work so far, Jabba

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"It is better to type nothing and be assumed an ass, than to type something and remove all doubt." - Me

Thanks! I'm having fun.

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