Consolidated Model 9

An Early Step Toward Commercial Air Transport

The Consolidated Model 9 represents one of the company’s earliest ventures into commercial aircraft design. Built during a formative period for both Consolidated Aircraft and the broader American aviation industry, the Model 9 demonstrated Reuben H. Fleet’s interest in creating practical, dependable aircraft for civilian operators as well as the military.

While far less known than the Fleetster or the later transport models derived from wartime designs, the Model 9 helped define Consolidated’s emerging philosophy: build aircraft that are rugged, stable, and versatile—qualities that would later become hallmarks of the company’s most successful designs.

Design Intent and Purpose

The Model 9 was conceived during a time when commercial aviation was still struggling to establish itself. Civil routes were short, aircraft technology was evolving rapidly, and operators needed airplanes that were:

economical to operate
simple to maintain
structurally dependable
capable of carrying mail, light cargo, or a small number of passengers

The Model 9 targeted these emerging needs. It offered a basic, reliable airframe built upon Consolidated’s early engineering strengths, serving as a bridge between primitive post-WWI aircraft and the more sophisticated commercial designs of the 1930s.

Construction and Features

Although not produced in large numbers, the Model 9 showcased several characteristics that became typical of early Consolidated aircraft:

strong conventional wood-and-fabric construction with careful weight distribution
a dependable inline or radial engine (sources vary depending on the specific configuration)
open cockpit or semi-enclosed cabin depending on customer requirement
high-lift wing design suitable for short takeoff distances and modest airfields
straightforward maintenance and field serviceability, a priority in the 1920s

These features made the aircraft well-suited to mail routes, training roles, and short-range personnel transport.

Operational Use

Though never a centerpiece of Consolidated’s lineup, the Model 9 found its place among:

early regional carriers
aviation clubs
commercial mail contractors
private owners requiring a dependable utility aircraft

Its simplicity and sturdy handling earned it a quiet but respected reputation among pilots familiar with early Consolidated designs.

Place in Consolidated History

The significance of the Model 9 lies not in production numbers, but in evolution. It helped:

refine Consolidated’s understanding of the commercial market
shape foundational engineering practices
prepare the company to design more advanced transports
demonstrate Fleet’s commitment to diversifying beyond military contracts

The Model 9 also stands as an early indicator of the company’s ability to transition between military and civilian aviation needs—an adaptability that would later define Fleet’s success with aircraft like the Fleetster, PBY Catalina, and B-24 Liberator.

Explore More Aircraft

Return to the Commercial Aircraft category or explore related aircraft in the Hangar:

Fleetster (Model 17 & Variants)
Early Consolidated Transports
C-87 Liberator Express
C-109 Tanker