Fleetster (Model 20)

The Final Evolution of the Fleetster Line

The Consolidated Fleetster Model 20 represented the last major development in the Fleetster transport family — a refined, modernized design that built upon years of engineering experience with cabin monoplanes. Introduced during a period when commercial aviation was expanding rapidly, the Model 20 illustrated Consolidated’s continued effort to provide safe, versatile, and dependable aircraft for both civil and governmental operators.

Though produced in limited numbers, the Model 20 stands as the most advanced Fleetster variant and the culmination of Consolidated’s early commercial design philosophy.

Purpose & Operational Role

The Model 20 was designed as a flexible medium transport, filling roles such as:

passenger service for regional or feeder airlines
mixed cargo/passenger operations
air mail routes
executive or corporate travel
utility or government transport missions

Its adaptability made it appealing to operators needing a rugged aircraft capable of working from small or unimproved fields, while still providing comfort and efficiency.

Design & Engineering Features

The Fleetster Model 20 incorporated several enhancements over its predecessors:

cleaner aerodynamic lines for improved cruising efficiency
reinforced wing and fuselage structures
updated cabin layouts supporting multiple seating or cargo configurations
improved accessibility for loading mail and freight
refined engine installations for smoother operation and easier maintenance

These improvements reflected Fleet’s core values — Safety, Dependability, and Performance — which guided Consolidated engineering throughout the interwar years.

Performance & Field Use

Pilots and operators appreciated the Model 20 for its:

stable high-wing configuration
reliable handling in varied weather
strong takeoff characteristics
solid performance on regional routes
ease of servicing and field maintenance

While not widely produced, its reputation for reliability allowed the Model 20 to become a trusted workhorse for small carriers and government operators who required a strong, adaptable transport.

Legacy of the Fleetster Model 20

The Model 20 closed the chapter on the Fleetster family by demonstrating how far Consolidated’s commercial engineering had progressed in a short time. Lessons learned from the Model 20’s structure, aerodynamics, and cabin design influenced later transport concepts — and provided valuable experience that ultimately contributed to Consolidated’s success in large aircraft design during the 1930s and 1940s.

Though overshadowed by the PBY Catalina and the B-24 Liberator, the Fleetster series — culminating in the Model 20 — represents an important evolutionary path in American regional transport aviation.

Explore More Aircraft

Return to the Hangar to view related categories:

Commercial Aircraft
Fleetster (Model 17) & Variants
Fleetster Model 19
Consolidated Model 9
Consolidated Model 14
Consolidated Model 15
Consolidated Model 16