Stinson Reliant

Stinson · United States · first flew 1933 · light aircraft

The Stinson Reliant was a high-wing gull-wing monoplane of the 1930s that combined sport and business aircraft roles, noted for its comfortable enclosed cabin, optional radio equipment, and the distinctive inverted-gull or straight-gull wing configuration. It became popular with wealthy private owners and small operators.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	8.36 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Gull-wing high-wing monoplane
Single radial engine with broad chord cowling
Luxurious four-to-five seat enclosed cabin

The distinctive gull wing — drooping slightly at the root before rising to the tips — immediately identifies the Reliant; the broad radial engine cowling and wide cabin windows are secondary cues.

Specifications

The Stinson Reliant has a length of 8.36 m (27 ft).
It has a wingspan of 12.42 m (41 ft).
Its maximum speed is 235 km/h (146 mph).
Typical crew: 1, plus 3–4 passengers.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Introduced in 1933 as the SR series, the Reliant evolved through several variants with increasingly powerful radial engines. The SR-10 Reliant of 1937 offered a Lycoming R-680 engine and improved aerodynamics. During WWII, the United States Navy acquired numerous Reliants as AT-19 instrument trainers under Lend-Lease and for direct use. Many survive as warbird examples today.

Variants

The series ran from SR through SR-10 with numerous engine options; the AT-19 was the wartime Navy trainer version.

Where you'll see it

Used by private owners, small charter operators, and the US Navy and allied air forces as a trainer during WWII.

Related aircraft

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