The Airbus single-engine D transport aircraft was developed from an earlier high-wing design - the Model K - and the type took Bellanca's wing bracing concept to a new level by creating a partial lower wing with an undercarriage which was enclosed below the main bracing point. Although the onset of the Great Depression impacted sales, an order was received from the USAAC for 14 examples initially, the first four deliveries designated Y1C-27 and the later 10 with an uprated engine.The Airbus was further developed and renamed as the Aircruiser; however, regulation changes in the USA during the mid-1930s made operation of single-engined aircraft for transport services difficult. Remaining sales of the Aircruiser were therefore concentrated in Canada, where float conversion was popular because of the many lakes and isolated settlements. There were 23 examples of all types built.