 |
|
By
Wikipedia,
the free encyclopedia,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_Stearman
| Model 75 "Stearman" |
|
|
| Boeing Stearman N67193 in USN markings |
| Role |
Biplane Trainer |
| Manufacturer |
Stearman / Boeing |
| Number built |
C. 9,783 |
| Unit cost |
$11,000 |
The Stearman (Boeing) Model 75 is a biplane, of which at least 9,783 were built in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s as a military trainer aircraft. Stearman became a subsidiary of Boeing in 1934. Widely known as the Stearman, Boeing Stearman or Kaydet, it served as a Primary trainer for the USAAF, as a basic trainer for the USN (as the NS & N2S), and with the RCAF as the Kaydet throughout World War II. After the conflict was over, thousands of surplus aircraft were sold on the civil market. In the immediate post-war years they became popular as crop dusters and as sports planes.
Design
 | |
WAVE in a Boeing Stearman N2S US Navy training aircraft. |
 | |
Boeing Stearman NS1, NAS Pensacola Flight School 1936. |
 | |
Boeing Stearman E75 (PT-13D) of 1944 |
The Kaydet was a conventional biplane of rugged construction with large, fixed tailwheel undercarriage, and accommodation for the student and instructor in open cockpits in tandem. The radial engine was usually uncowled, although some Stearman operators choose to cowl the engine, most notably the Red Baron Stearman Squadron.
Variants
The US Army Air Forces Kaydet had three different designations based on its power plant:
- PT-13, with a Lycoming R-680 engine. 2,141 total all models.
- PT-13 Initial production. R-680-B4B engine. 26 built. Boeing Model 75.
- PT-13A R-680-7 engine. 92 delivered 1937-38. Model A-75.
- PT-13B R-680-11 engine. 255 delivered 1939-40.
- PT-13C Six PT-13Bs modified for instrument flying.
- PT-13D PT-13As equipped with the R-680-17 engine. 353 delivered.
- PT-17 with a Continental R-670-5 engine. 3,519 delivered
- PT-17A 18 PT-17s were equipped with blind-flying instrumention.
- PT-17B Three PT-17s were equipped with agricultural spraying equipment for pest-control.
- PT-18 PT-13 with a Jacobs R-755 engine, 150 built.
- PT-18A Six PT-18s fitted with blind-flying instrumention.
- PT-27 Canadian PT-17. This designation was given to 300 aircraft supplied under Lend-Lease to the RCAF.
The US Navy had several versions including:
- NS-1 Up to 61 delivered. powered by surplus 220 hp (164 kW) Wright J-5 Whirlwind. Model 73.
- N2S Known colloquially as the "Yellow Peril" from its overall-yellow paint scheme.
- N2S-1 R-670-14 engine. 250 delivered to the US Navy.
- N2S-2 R-680-8 engine. 125 delivered to the US Navy.
- N2S-3 R-670-4 engine. 1,875 delivered to the US Navy.
- N2S-4 99 US Army aircraft were diverted to the US Navy, plus 577 new aircraft were delivered to the US Navy.
- N2S-5 R-680-17 engine. 1,450 delivered to the US Navy.
Operators
 Argentina Bolivia Brazil Canada
 China Colombia Cuba Dominican Republic Greece Guatemala Honduras Israel Mexico Philippines
 United States
 Venezuela
Post-War Usage
After World War II, the thousands of PT-17 Stearmans were auctioned off to civilians and former pilots. Many were modified for cropdusting use, with a hopper for pesticide or fertilizer fitted in place of the front cockpit. Additional equipment included pumps, spray bars, and nozzles mounted below the lower wings. A popular approved modification to increase the maximum takeoff weight and climb performance involved fitting a larger Pratt & Whitney R-985 engine and a constant speed propeller.
Survivors
A considerable number of Stearmans remain in flying condition throughout the world, as the type remains a popular sport plane and warbird.
Specifications (PT-17)
Data from {name of first source}
General characteristics
- Crew: two, student and instructor
- Length: 24 ft 3 in (7.39 m)
- Wingspan: 32 ft 2 in (9.81 m)
- Height: 9 ft 2 in (2.79 m)
- Empty weight: 1,936 lb (878 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 2,717 lb (1,232 kg)
- Powerplant: 1× Continental R-670-5, 220 hp (164 kW)
Performance
See also
Comparable aircraft
Bibliography
Videography
External links
Text from Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Published in July 2009.
Click here to read more articles related to aviation and space!
|
|
