The Fairchild 24 Argus/Forwarder was originally designed in America in the 1930s as a rugged and simple business or personal civilian aircraft. It is a 4 seater and capable of landing on grass and poor quality airstrips. At the outbreak of WW2 163 were ordered for the US Army, but 161 of them were shipped to Great Britain under the Lease-Lend agreement.

The Argus was unusual in that it was offered with a choice of a radial or in-line engine.