"To cope with the demand for feeder airliners, of which they believe 350 will be required immediately upon the conclusion of war, Hughes Aircraft Co, (U.S.) have completed the development of a new type.
The aircraft, which will carry both passengers and freight, is a high-wing twin-engined monoplane designed to a gross weight of 18,500 lb., including 18 passengers and 350 lb. freight. Altogether useful load is 6,000 lb.
The feeder liner has an overall length of 65ft. 9 1/2in., height lift 11ft 1in., wing span 86 sq. ft. 9in., wing loading 22 lb./sq. ft., and a fuselage width of 10ft.
Powered by two engines of 825 h.p. each, it has a maximum speed at 10,000ft. of 237 m.p.h. and a cruising speed at 5,000ft. and at 60 per cent, power output of 186 m.p.h. Climb at sea level is 1,290ft./min., service ceiling is 28,500ft., and stalling speed 57.5 m.p.h.
Special features include the installation of mail and freight pick-up equipment in the forward or aft cargo compartments, provision for sorting mail in flight, and possibly hydraulically operated freight and passenger doors controlled from pilots' cabin but also separately released."
- Flight May 17, 45
