In 1928, American engineer Edmund B. Cairns opened the Cairns Aircraft Corp. in Notak, Connecticut. The company’s first project was the all-metal Cairns Clark Robinson Special, named in part after Clark Robinson who assisted in fuselage design. This initial aircraft was a single-seat, cantilever low-wing monoplane.
It was initially equipped with a 60 hp LeBond radial engine. Later, this powerplant was replaced by a more powerful 70 hp Szekely SR-5 engine. This established the foundation for future developments.
Early Development and Models
Two years later, Cairns Aircraft introduced a two-seater version of the aircraft, known as the Cairns A. The first modification, designated AG-4, was powered by a 90 hp Cairns G engine, which was a licensed copy of the de Havilland Gipsy I.
Evolution of Propulsion
In 1931, two new versions emerged, showcasing further propulsion advancements. The AC-6 featured a powerful 185 hp Curtiss Challenger engine, while the AW-6 was equipped with a 165 hp Wright J-6 Whirlwind.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | AG-4 |
| Wingspan, m | 11.13 |
| Aircraft length, m | 7.51 |
| Wing area, m2 | 14.98 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Cairns G |
| Power, hp | 1 x 90 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 225 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 177 |
| Crew, crew members | 2 |
Image gallery of the Cairns A
