Sherman M. Fairchild, seeking suitable aircraft for photography and survey in 1924, decided to make them himself. Formed Fairchild Aviation Corp. with subsidiaries F. Airplane Manufacturing, F. Aerial Surveys and F. Camera and Instrument, HQ New York City, works at Farmingdale, Long Island. FC-1 high-wing 2/3-seater 1926 led to FC-2 with up to 5 seats, 220-hp Whirlwind or 450-hp Wasp, wheels/skis/floats, mass-produced and also by Canadian Vickers, leading 1928 to manufacture by Fairchild Aviation, Grand'mère, Quebec. Took over Kreider-Reisner 1929, but combined company taken over later that year by giant Aviation Corp. (Avco). Fairchild repurchased interests 1931 and ran Kreider-Reisner, being joined 1933 by Armand Thieblot from General Aviation, who became chief engineer. K-R. Hagerstown, MD, renamed Fairchild Aircraft 1935, and in 1936 Fairchild Engine & Airplane Corp. formed as parent of what in 1939 became Fairchild Aircraft and Ranger Engine Divisions. Most important 1930s product began as Kreider-Reisner C-8 high-wing monoplane, from 1932 called Fairchild 24, later C-61 Forwarder/JK/Argus, total 1,665. Most numerous of all was monoplane trainer flown as M-62 1939 and produced as PT-19/23/26/Cornell, total 9,260 including output by Fairchild Canada and licensees. Biggest task was C-82 Packet military freighter (220) followed by C-119 Boxcar (1,087). Fairchild also took over Kaiser-Frazer C-l23 Provider (302). Licence to build Fokker F27 in 1956 led to 205 aircraft including 79 of Fairchild's own stretched FH-227, but 1966 licence for Pilatus Porter resulted in only 36 USAF AU-23A. Fairchild took over Hiller 1964 and Republic 1965, parent' company becoming first Fairchild Hiller and in 1966 Fairchild Industries. Fairchild Republic built 721 A-10 for USAF, but following cancellation of T-46A Next-Generation Trainer and cessation of work on Saab (ex-Saab Fairchild) 340 company closed 1988. Fairchild Industries sold Metro Aviation (owning 97% Fairchild Aircraft) and sought protection against bankruptcy February 1990, purchase by Fairchild Acquisition Inc. approved by bankruptcy court 29 September 1990.