Bellanca CF facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bellanca CF
Bellanca CF
Role	Passenger Aircraft
National origin	United States of America
Manufacturer	Roos-Bellanca Aircraft Company
Designer	Giuseppe Mario Bellanca
First flight	June 8, 1922
Number built	1
Unit cost	$5000 (1922)

The Bellanca CF was an early airplane designed by Giuseppe Mario Bellanca. It was a monoplane, meaning it had only one main wing, which was placed high on the plane's body. This aircraft was special because it had an enclosed cabin for passengers. The Bellanca CF was the start of many successful planes designed by Bellanca. In 1922, Bellanca was even nominated for the Collier Trophy because of this amazing design.

How the Bellanca CF Was Developed

Giuseppe Bellanca was an airplane designer from Sicily. He had already designed his own planes there. Later, he moved to New York and started the Bellanca Aeroplane Company and Flying School in 1911. He even taught Fiorello La Guardia, who later became the Mayor of New York, how to fly!

After World War I, Bellanca moved to Omaha, Nebraska. There, he started a new company called the Roos-Bellanca Aircraft Company with Victor Roos and A.H. Fetters. This company only built one Bellanca CF plane. But even though it was the only one, its enclosed cabin was very advanced for its time. This plane was an important step for Bellanca, leading to many famous record-setting aircraft later on.

What the Bellanca CF Looked Like

Bellanca began designing the CF in 1921. The plane's body, called the fuselage, was made from mahogany plywood wood. Its tail, wing, and support struts were covered with fabric.

One of the coolest things about the CF was its fully enclosed cabin. This cabin had small windows for passengers to look out of. The plane's body was made stronger with steel wires. Even the landing gear, which are the wheels that help the plane land, were made from special wood. The wing struts, which support the wings, were shaped like airfoils. This means they were designed to help the plane get extra lift while flying!

In 1924, a company called Yellow Air Cab bought the CF. They updated it with a new front cockpit and more windows. They also put in a stronger 110 horsepower Anzani engine. Later, in 1928, the plane was changed again to hold more fuel. This gave it a longer flying range.

The Bellanca CF in Action

The Bellanca CF had its first test flight on June 8, 1922. A pilot named Harry G. Smith flew it at Fort Crook, Nebraska. The plane could do amazing things like loops and rolls in the air!

The Bellanca CF was flown all over the country to show it off and try to sell more planes. It won four awards at the Midwestern Flying Meet in Monmouth, Illinois. Another pilot, Bill Hobson, flew the CF in other air meets and even won an efficiency contest at the 1923 National Air Races.

The Yellow Air Cab Company and Continental Aircraft Corporation bought the plane to carry passengers. However, both companies later faced financial trouble. The plane then went to private owners. It was changed to fly even longer distances. Famous pilot Bert Acosta even took it for a test flight!

Today, the only Bellanca CF is a special part of history. It was displayed at the Roosevelt Field Air Museum. Later, the Bellanca family gave it to the National Air and Space Museum in 1960. You can still see it there as part of the Smithsonian collection!

Other Bellanca Planes

The Wright-Bellanca WB-1 was the next airplane Bellanca designed using similar wooden building methods.

See also

In Spanish: Bellanca CF para niños