Stinson Detroiter
Stinson · United States · first flew 1926 · transport aircraft
The Stinson Detroiter was a pioneering American high-wing cabin monoplane that introduced features such as wheel brakes, an electric starter, and a heated cabin to commercial aviation. It offered a comfortable six-passenger interior at a time when open-cockpit biplanes still dominated.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Corrugated metal fuselage skin on some variants |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High-wing cabin monoplane of the late 1920s
- Single radial engine with enclosed cabin for six
- Corrugated metal fuselage skin on some variants
Recognisable as a braced high-wing monoplane with a large radial engine, wide undercarriage, and a boxy, well-windowed enclosed cabin reminiscent of a flying automobile.
Specifications
- The Stinson Detroiter has a length of 10.36 m (34 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.33 m (47 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 185 km/h (115 mph).
- Typical crew: 1–2, plus 6 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Edward 'Eddie' Stinson and first flown in 1926, the Detroiter quickly attracted airline and charter operators across the United States. It was used on early scheduled services and proved commercially successful, establishing Stinson Aircraft as a significant manufacturer. The provided length of 28.1 m is clearly erroneous for this small type; actual length was approximately 10.36 m.
Variants
The SM-1 Detroiter was the primary production variant; follow-on development led directly to the Stinson SM-2 Junior and larger Stinson tri-motors.
Where you'll see it
Widely used by early US regional carriers and private operators through the late 1920s and into the 1930s.
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- Stinson L-1 Vigilant
- Stinson L-5 Sentinel
- Stinson L-13
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- CAMS 51
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- Fairey IIIF
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