In June 1933 the Mexican Government decided to send one of Mexico’s best pilots, Francisco Sarabia, non-stop from Mexico to Seville, Spain, in a Mexican built aircraft.
Th task was given to Angel Lascurain, Juan Guillerme Villasana, Adrian del Pase, Juan Brelivet and Michael Watters.
The plane was built in the Talleres Nacionales de Constructcienes Aeronauticas. Built in 1934 it was powered by a Pratt & Whitney Wasp of 550 hp and had a retractable undercarriage. The aircraft incorporated the first Watter Cowling.
The registration was XA-EX5, model designation MWT-1, and named ‘Barberan y Collar’ after famous Spanish fliers. The red, white, and green striping was after the colours of the Mexican flag.
Due to a weak landing gear, the plane had a slight accident on 16 June 1934, when it ground-looped during landing and take-off tests at Mexico City Central Airport. Pilot Sarabia and passenger Watter were not injured.
For various political reasons the entire project collapsed and the plane was put in storage. The engine was sold to a high officer in the Mexican Air Force.
Engine: Pratt & Whitney Wasp, 550 hp
Wing span: 16.68 m
Chord: 2.3 m
Incidence: 3 deg
Length: 9.85 m
Height: 2.80 m
Empty weight: 1620 lb
MAUW: 5597 lb
Fuel capacity: 5000 lt / 3380 kg
Oil capacity: 284 lt / 255 kg
Crew: 2
Baggage capacity: 190 kg
Max speed: 270 kph
Cruise: 200 kph
Landing speed: 130 kph
Ceiling: 2000 m
Endurance: 70 hr
Range: 11,600 km
All Aero 