Waco UBF-2

The Famous Waco F-2

http://www.woodsbrothersaviation.com/famous_f-2.htm

Also see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waco_F_series

Following the success of the earlier “Model F” of 1930, Waco Aircraft introduced
the redesigned model “QCF”. Now more than ever, this new F-line with more
horsepower, a stronger redesigned landing gear and increased payload and speed,
was quickly establishing itself as the most practical of all-purpose biplanes.
The new model QCF became known as the F-2 in flying circles because it was the
second series in the “Model F” line. It quickly gained a reputation as the
highest performing utility airplane in its class. Flying service operators,
owner-pilots and even the sportsman-pilot were all giving voluntary testimony of
their satisfaction with the QCF-2. Engineers at the Waco factory , eager to
demonstrate the F-2's impressive short field takeoff and landing
characteristics, cleared their vehicles from the perimeter of the 100-foot
circular parking area to demonstrate that the F-2 could take off and then land
the parking circle. The short field performance of the F-2 was so impressive
that it even outperformed the exciting newcomer to American skies, the Pitcairn
“Whirly Bird” rotary wing autogiro.

Even though the 3-place, all-purpose open cockpit biplane was slowly becoming a
dying breed by 1931, the QCF-2 was considered one of the very best of this type.
Waco built 31 examples of the QCF-2 within a year's time. With a few minor
airframe improvements and different engine installations, the Waco factory
produced the model PCF (Jacobs LA-1, 170 HP) and the finally the UBF-2
(Continental R-670, 210HP) in 1932. The UBF-2 was the last and the finest
example of the F-2 line. The sturdy biplane was happy working out of small
pastures and from any designated airfield with ease. With a hardy and dutiful
nature more attuned to handle the everyday chores of the flying-service
operator, there was still a playful streak in its nature that appealed to those
who flew only for the sport of it. Waco Aircraft named the UBF-2 the “Tourist”.
The final version of this model was the Navy XJW-1, which the Waco Factory
modified in 1934 by beefing up the UBF-2 fuselage and upper wing center section
to accept a “sky-hook” for mid-air docking on the dirigible. Two examples were
built and delivered to the US Navy for service on the huge “U.S.S. Macon”
dirigible airship. The XJW-1s trained pilots in the hook on procedure ,
preparing them for the single-seat Sparrow Hawk fighters. They also served as
“running boats” for delivering mail and other supplies to the dirigibles and for
a time were considered for use as an air ambulance. After the U.S.S. Macon was
lost off the coast of Northern California in 1935, the XJW-1s had their hooks
removed and continued in service performing utility duties at regular Naval
air-stations until WWII.

VARIOUS MOVIE ROLES INCLUDING: Raiders of the Lost Ark Amelia Divine
Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood Iron Eagle IV

The Waco F series was a range of American-built private pilot owner and training
biplanes of the 1930s from the Waco Aircraft Company. The 'F' series was popular
with private owner pilots for sporting and other uses and continued in
production through the late 1930s. The tandem cockpit UPF-7 version was adopted
by the Civilian Pilot Training Program and continued to be built in numbers
(over 600) until 1942. Considerable numbers of 'F' series biplanes, both
original and newly built by Waco Classic Aircraft, remained in service nowadays.

With its exposed radial engine and open cockpits, the WACO (Weaver Airplane
Company) UBF-2 is a great example of a Golden Age Biplane both in looks and
charming flying characteristics.

In this three-place craft, the pilot sits in the back while two passengers sit
in the front. The UBF-2 was marketed as a sporting plane, and called the
Tourist. This high-performance craft combined shortfield and aerobatic
capabilities with gentle handling to earn the status of the Cadillac sport plane
of its era. In 1935 WACO was the largest producer of light planes in the U.S. By
1940 more than 110 models, chiefly two-seat aerobatic trainers and four-seat
cabin planes, were available. Only a handful of UBF-2’s were built. As a
floatplane, this Waco was used for spotting swordfish off Martha’s Vineyard. It
was involved in a hurricane while it was on floats and heavily damaged before
its 1951 restoration.

Specifications (UPF-7 not the UPF-2!)

General characteristics
Crew: 1
Capacity: 1 trainee or passenger
Length: 23 ft 1 in (7.04 m)
Wingspan: 30 ft 0 in (9.14 m)
Height: 8 ft 5 in (2.57 m)
Wing area: 244 ft2 (22.67 m2)
Empty weight: 1,870 lb (848.22 kg)
Gross weight: 2,650 lb (1202.02 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Continental W-670-6A seven cylinder radial, 220 hp (161.81 kW)

Performance
Maximum speed: 128 mph (207 km/h)
Cruise speed: 114 mph (185 km/h)
Range: 400 miles (644 km)
Service ceiling: 14,800 ft (4,511 m)




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