FBA 290

FBA Model 290
Role	four-seat amphibian flying-boat
Manufacturer	Franco-British Aviation Company
First flight	1931
Primary user	French Navy
Number built	10

The Franco-British Aviation Model 290 was a French four-seat amphibian flying boat built by the Franco-British Aviation Company (FBA) as a replacement for the Model 17 in French naval service.

Development

The FBA Company was requested to design a successor to the Model 17 in the liaison and training role. The company used the experience gained in the Model 270 and 271 and produced the Model 290. The Model 290 was a biplane amphibian with a single radial engine driving a pusher propeller. It had room for four persons in the forward part of the hull. The Model 290 flew for the first time in April 1931 powered by a 300 hp (224 kW) Lorraine engine. A further example, the Model 291 was built with a Gnome-Rhône radial engine.

The French Navy was looking for a VIP transport and ordered eight aircraft based on the Model 291 and designated the Model 293 (with a Lorraine engine) and the Model 294 (with a Gnome-Rhône engine). The navy aircraft were used as executive transports and based at the major French naval air stations.

Variants

Model 290: Prototype with a 296hp (221kW) Lorraine 9Na radial engine, one built.
Model 291: Prototype with a 296hp (221kW) Gnome & Rhône 7Kb radial engine, one built.
Model 293: Production aircraft for the French Navy with a 296hp (221kW) Lorraine 9Na Algol radial engine, six built.
Model 294: Production aircraft for the French Navy with a 296hp (221kW) Gnome-Rhône 7Kb engine, two built.

Operators

France

French Navy

Specifications (Model 293)

Data from The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985), 1985, Orbis Publishing, Page 1633

General characteristics

Crew: One
Capacity: Three passengers
Length: 31 ft 0.75 in (9.47 m)
Wingspan: 42 ft 11.75 in (13.10 m)
Height: 13 ft 3 in (4.04 m)
Wing area: 432.19 sq ft (40.15 m²)
Empty weight: 2,866 lb (1,300 kg)
Gross weight: 4,360 lb (2,100 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Lorraine 9Na Algol 9-cylinder radial piston engine , 300 hp (224 kW)

Performance

Maximum speed: 109 mph (176 km/h, 95 kn)
Range: 326 mi (525 km, 283 nmi)
Service ceiling: 13,120 ft (4,000 m)

References

Bousquet, Gérard. French Flying Boats of WW II. Sandomierz, Poland: Stratus, 2013 ISBN 978-83-63678-06-7
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985), 1985, Orbis Publishing, p. 1633