Beechcraft Staggerwing
Beechcraft · United States · first flew 1932 · light aircraft
The Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing is a five-seat luxury biplane notable for its negative-stagger wing arrangement (lower wing ahead of upper), retractable undercarriage, and outstanding performance when introduced in 1932. It established Beechcraft's reputation for quality.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.13 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Negative-stagger biplane — lower wing set ahead of upper wing
- Retractable undercarriage on a 1932 biplane — remarkable for the era
- Luxury cabin biplane with outstanding performance for its time
The reversed-stagger biplane configuration — lower wing distinctly ahead of the upper — is unique; combined with the enclosed cabin, retractable gear, and radial engine it is instantly identifiable.
Specifications
- The Beechcraft Staggerwing has a length of 8.13 m (27 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.75 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 322 km/h (200 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + up to 4 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Walter Beech designed the Model 17 to compete with the top end of the executive aircraft market, introducing it just as the Great Depression hit. Despite the timing, wealthy sportsmen and corporations found the aircraft compelling; the US military adopted it as the UC-43 Traveler during WWII.
Variants
Numerous sub-variants with different engines from 225 to 450 hp were produced; the C17B, D17S, and G17S represent key stages; WWII military UC-43 and GB-2 designations applied.
Where you'll see it
US Army, Navy, and Marine Corps in WWII (UC-43/GB-2); civil service across the Americas and beyond; the Staggerwing Museum at Tullahoma, Tennessee preserves numerous examples.
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- Beechcraft Staggerwing Model 17
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