Ford Trimotor facts for kids

Ford Trimotor.

The Ford Trimotor was a famous airplane built in the USA. It was special because it was one of the first planes made mostly of metal. This made it very strong. It also had three engines, which is why it was called "Trimotor" (tri means three).

This airplane was used as an airliner starting in 1926. It helped people travel by air before World War II began. Many people called it the "Tin Goose" because of its metal design. It was a very important plane in the early days of air travel.

What Made the Ford Trimotor Special?

The Ford Trimotor was built by the Ford Motor Company. Yes, the same company that makes cars! Henry Ford wanted to make flying safe and easy for everyone.

All-Metal Design

Most airplanes before the Trimotor were made of wood and fabric. But the Ford Trimotor was built almost entirely from metal. This made it much stronger and safer. It could handle more wear and tear. The metal was often corrugated, meaning it had wavy ridges. This made the wings and body even stiffer.

Three Engines for Safety

Having three engines was a big deal. If one engine stopped working, the plane could still fly safely with the other two. This gave passengers and pilots more confidence. It was a very reliable plane for its time.

How the Trimotor Was Used

The Ford Trimotor was mainly used to carry passengers and mail. It helped start regular airline services across the United States.

Early Air Travel

In the 1920s and 1930s, flying was still new and exciting. The Trimotor made it possible for more people to experience air travel. It flew routes between many cities. It helped connect different parts of the country.

Beyond Passenger Flights

Besides carrying people, the Trimotor was also used for other jobs. Some were used by the military. Others were used for special flights, like exploring new areas. It even helped carry supplies to remote places.

Legacy of the Ford Trimotor

The Ford Trimotor helped change how people thought about flying. It showed that air travel could be safe and dependable. It paved the way for bigger and faster airplanes that came later.

A Pioneer of Aviation

Even though it's an old plane now, the Trimotor is still remembered as a pioneer. It helped build the airline industry we know today. Many of these planes are still around in museums. Some even fly for special events!

Similar Aircraft

• Junkers Ju 52

Images for kids

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  Ford Trimotor interior

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  Corrugated wing of a 1929 Ford 4-AT-E Trimotor

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  Externally mounted control wires of a Ford Trimotor

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  Restored 1929 Ford 4-AT-E Trimotor "NC8407" owned by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and painted in the colors of Eastern Air Transport

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  On display in Washington, D.C.

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  The cockpit of NC-8407

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  Former Royal Australian Air Force (33 Squadron) Ford 5-AT-C A45-1 displayed at the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery, Port Moresby.

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  Ford Trimotor passenger's view of one engine

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  TAT Ford 5-AT-B flown by Lindbergh

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  Ford 14 AT photo from L'Aerophile May 1932

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  A C-4A

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  C-4A replica

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  Ford RR-1 at Langley Virginia 1934

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  1927 4-AT-A, Serial No. 10, C-1077

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  Grand Canyon Airlines Ford Trimotor (note the deployed wing cargo pannier)

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  Ford Trimotor G-CYWZ of the Royal Canadian Air Force

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  Ford Trimotor at the Air Zoo

See also

In Spanish: Ford Trimotor para niños