Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing

Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing
Country	USA
Role	Utility aircraft
First flight	November 4, 1932
Built	785

The Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing is an American biplane with an atypical negative wing stagger (the lower wing is farther forward than the upper wing). It first flew in 1932.

Source: Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing on Wikipedia

Beechcraft Staggerwing D-17 Walk Around
Photographer	Bill Maloney
Localisation	Vintage Wings of Canada
Photos	17

Beechcraft Staggerwing D-17 1

Beechcraft Staggerwing D-17 2

Beechcraft Staggerwing D-17 3

Beechcraft Staggerwing D-17 4

Beechcraft Staggerwing D-17 5

Beechcraft Staggerwing D-17 6

Beechcraft Staggerwing D-17 7

Beechcraft Staggerwing D-17 9

Beechcraft Staggerwing D-17 8

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General Characteristics and Role

The Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing is a classic American cabin biplane known for its unique negative wing stagger (where the lower wing is set further forward than the upper wing) and its advanced, aerodynamic design for the time. First built in 1932, it was designed as a fast, comfortable, and luxurious executive transport aimed at wealthy businessmen. The D-17 was one of the most popular variants, produced in the late 1930s. Its high performance led to its adoption by various military air forces, including the U.S. Army Air Corps (as the UC-43 Traveler) and the Royal Navy, during World War II for light transport, courier, and utility duties. The Staggerwing remains highly prized by collectors today.

Property	Typical Value (Model D-17S)
Role	Executive Transport, Military Liaison/Utility
National Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Beechcraft
First Flight (Model 17)	4 November 1932
Crew	1 (Pilot)
Capacity (Passengers)	3 to 4
Length	7.95 m (26 ft 1 in)
Wingspan	9.75 m (32 ft 0 in)
Height	2.49 m (8 ft 2 in)
Empty Weight	1,270 kg (2,800 lb)
Max Takeoff Weight	2,041 kg (4,500 lb)

Powerplant and Performance

Engine: 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior nine-cylinder, air-cooled radial engine.
Power Output: 336 kW (450 hp).
Maximum Speed: 340 km/h (212 mph; 183 kn).
Cruise Speed: 320 km/h (200 mph).
Range: 1,070 km (665 mi; 578 nmi).
Service Ceiling: 6,400 m (21,000 ft).
Key Feature: The high speed for a biplane was achieved through retractable landing gear and extensive streamlining, rare for its time.

Design and Unique Characteristics

Wing Stagger: The “staggerwing” design (lower wing forward) helped improve stall characteristics and forward visibility from the cockpit.
Construction: Featured a fabric-covered wooden frame fuselage and composite wings.
Landing Gear: Fully retractable main landing gear and tailwheel, operated by a complex hydraulic system.
Military Use: The U.S. military ordered several hundred Staggerwings during WWII, recognizing its speed and reliability for critical personnel transport.