The 34-42 was a special version of the Model 82, fitted with a 420 hp
Ranger SVG 770-A-3 engine, and with enlarged fin and rudder. Alex
Schneider took the ski-equipped Niska on its first flight from
Longueuil, Quebec, Canada to the end of March, 1937.
At Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, airworthiness tests were conducted in May,
however, due to unsatisfying rate of climb the CofA was refused. In
August it was taken to the USA for tests. CF-AXO returned to Canada
where the Ranger engine was removed and a 600 hp Pratt & Whitney
S3H1 Wasp was fitted.
The aircraft was sold as an 82D registered CF-MAK and was the sole 82D
staying in Canada where it was operated equipped with either wheels,
skis, or floats as undercarriage. Niska was named after an Indian
tribe living on the Nass River in British Colombia, Canada.
View also photo 27 and
3312