Design Variations

The Ford Tri-Motor went through a great number of modifications and design innovations during its short production life between 1926 through 1933. Though the first true "tri-motor" was not built until the Model 3-AT the foundation for the Tin Goose was the preliminary work done on the models designed and built in early 1920's by William B. Stout.

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Stout 1-AS: (Air Sedan) was an all-metal, single-engine airplane built by Stout Metal Airplane Company and the genesis of the Ford Tri-Motor.

Model 2-AT: (Air Transport) Built in 1925, the single engine model 2-AT was clearly the direct ancestor of the 3-engine transport that would be built just one year later.

Model 3-AT: The first of the 3-engine aircraft built at part of Ford Motor Company and the last of designs by William Stout. The gondola-shaped ship was called a "monstrosity" by Henry Ford.

Model 4-AT: Contrary to popular belief, Chief Designer Harold Hicks created the classic design that was to be known worldwide as the "Tin Goose." From this point forward many refinements were incorporated to establish the Ford Tri-Motor as the finest air craft of the day.

Model 5-AT: Despite the [arguably] more advanced models, the 5-AT remained the most popular and successful version of the Ford Tri-Motor.

Model 6-AT: Three of these models were built. They were in reality nothing more that the Model 5-AT-C fitted with the more economical 4-AT engines

Model 7-AT: One was built. It was the second 6-AT refitted with a 420 HP Pratt & Whitney engine in the nose. It was later reverted to the 5-AT standard (three 420 HP Wasp engines) and redesignated 5-AT-79A.

Model 8-AT: Certainly the most radical of all modifications, this single-engine version was a complete departure from the benefits advertised by Ford regarding the need of three engines for safety.

Model 9-AT: Perhaps the most beautiful of the tri-motors built by Ford, this model featured larger cabin windows and a decorative "birds-eye" finish on the engine covers, mud guards and wheel hubs.

Model 10-A: This four engine model was never built, however the concept was modified and used as the basis of the Model 14-A

Model 11-AT: Fitted with three Packard Diesel engines, the fumes and vibrations associated with all diesel engines) made this model very unpopular was deemed unsellable.

Model 12-A: Modifications of the Model 10-A lead to the design of the Model 12-A. However, it was never built. Additional modifications were introduced to the design which served as the basis of the Model 14-A.

Model 12-A never built

Model 13-A: One was built. It started out as a 5-AT-D and was refitted with a 575 hp Wright Cyclone R-1820-E engine in the nose and a 300 hp Wright R-975 engine under each wing.

Model 14-A: This 40-passenger tri-motor was the last to be developed by Ford. It had a smoking room, two lavatories, and a steward's galley.