Beech Model 17 'Staggerwing', Duxford 2009 ©Dave Key
ROLE
Utility Aircraft.
FIRST FLIGHT
4 November 1932.
The Beech Model 17, popularly known as the "Staggerwing", was designed by Ted A. Wells to produce a large, powerful, and fast cabin biplane built specifically for the business executive.
The lower wing was designed with a negative stagger (The lower wing was in front of the upper wing) to maximise visibility for the pilot.
The fuselage is fabric covered over wooden formers and stringers supported by a welded steel tubular frame.
The landing gear was retractable and this combined with its light weight and powerful engine gave it good performance.
The luxurious cabin, trimmed in leather and mohair, held up to three passengers.
PRODUCTION
The Beech Traveller was produced from 1933 to 1949, with 785 built.
ENGINE
Pratt & Witney R-985-AN-1 Wasp Junior, producing 450 hp.
ARMAMENT
None.
In 1933 an early version of the Model 17 won the Texaco Trophy Race.
In 1935, Captain H.L. Farquhar flew around the world in a Model B17R covering a distance of 21,332 miles.
In 1936, Louise Thaden and Blanche Noyes won the Bendix Trophy in a Model C17R.
In 1937, Jackie Cochran set a women’s speed record of 203.9 mph at an altitude of 30,000 ft in a Model D17W.
During the Spanish Civil War, the Model B17L was used as a bomber by the Second Spanish Republic.
China used a number of Staggerwings as ambulance aircraft in its fight against Imperial Japan.
During early WWII, the United States Air Force used Model 17s as Utility / Cargo aircraft.
| Crew - 1 |
| Passengers - up to 3 |
| Wing Type - Staggerwing |
| Length - 26ft 2in (7.98m) |
| Wingspan - 32ft 0in (9.75m) |
| Height - 10ft 3in (3.12m) |
| Empty Weight - 3,085lb (1399kg) |
| Max. Weight - 4,700lb (2123kg) |
| Max. Speed - 198 mph (319 km/h) |
| Range - 500 miles (805 km) |
