In 1913, Harvey and William Crawford established their own aviation school in Los Angeles. By the early 1920s, they had founded the Crawford Airplane & Supply Co., laying the groundwork for their future aeronautical projects.
One of the company’s inaugural projects was the light multipurpose aircraft, the Crawford Courier, constructed in 1925. This distinctive aircraft marked a significant early endeavor for the newly formed aviation firm.
Design and Specifications
The Crawford Courier was a two-seater, wooden, single-strut biplane. It was powered by a 45 hp Anzani radial engine, driving a two-bladed propeller. Its design emphasized versatility and lightweight construction for its time.
A Unique Acquisition
Only a single example of the aircraft (registration NC4498, construction number TW-5) was ever built. This unique biplane was sold for $1500 to Takeo Watanabe, who served as Crawford’s sales manager. This sole unit represents the full extent of the model’s production.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Courier |
| Wingspan, m | 5.79 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Anzani |
| Power, hp | 1 x 45 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 145 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 115 |
| Crew | 2 |
Image gallery of the Crawford Courier
