Bellanca Y1C-27 The Air Corps bought four Bellanca Model SP-200 "Airbus" aircraft in 1933 and designated them as Y1C-27s. The first two planes were stock civilian airliners bought "as is." The second two aircraft were built to Air Corps specifications, but differed only in details from the basic Model SP-200. The Y1C-27 had a very distinctive and unusual design. The 550 horsepower radial engine was mounted on an extended forward fuselage section. The landing gear struts and primary wing braces were covered with streamlined and wide chord fairings which contributed to the plane's stability in flight. The plane could carry up to ten passengers or about one ton of cargo. The Y1C-27s remained in service until the late 1930s and underwent a series of modifications and upgrades throughout its service life. In 1934, the planes were re-designated C-27Cs. The major C model changes included a more powerful engine and a redesigned cabin with space for 13 passengers. Type Number built/ converted Remarks Y1C-27 4 Model SP-200 Airbus TECHNICAL NOTES: Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-1860-5 Hornet B radial of 550 hp Maximum speed: 139 mph Cruising speed: 121 mph Range: 500 miles Service ceiling: 15,000 ft. Span: 65 ft. 0 in. Length: 42 ft. 9 in. Height: 11 ft. 6 in. Weight: 9,341 lbs. maximum gross weight Crew: Two (pilot and co-pilot) Passenger capacity: 10 Serial numbers: 32-399 to 32-402 Click here to return to the Cargo Aircraft index.