Consolidated PT-1 Trusty

The Consolidated PT-1 Trusty was a single-engine, two-seat biplane primary trainer and the aircraft that established the Consolidated Aircraft Company. Developed from the Dayton-Wright TW-3 design that Consolidated acquired in the early 1920s, the PT-1 was ordered in quantity by the U.S. Army Air Service and became its standard primary trainer of the decade. It was powered by a 180 hp Wright-Hispano E water-cooled V-8 engine and was notable for its sturdy, forgiving handling, which earned it the nickname "Trusty" and helped countless student pilots through their first hours of flight.

Large orders for the PT-1 gave the young firm the financial footing it needed and led directly to the Husky family of derivatives, including the PT-3 and the Navy's NY trainers. The Trusty laid the foundation for Consolidated's later success.