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Home »  Collection »  Flying & Static Aircraft »  Beech D17S Staggerwing

HISTORY

  • In 1932, the first Beechcraft Model 17 "Staggerwing" was flown. Later, in the mid 1930’s, the most produced variant, the D17S, flew for the first time.
  • The Museum’s D17S was manufactured in Beech's Wichita, Kansas plant in May 1944.
  • When first produced, the Staggerwings were mainly used as executive aircraft much like corporate jets today. Other variants were also used in air racing because of their speed.
  • Altogether, a total of 785 Model 17’s were produced by Beech; 479 were the D17S variant, of which 67 were for civilian use and 412 for military use (designated the UC-43 in the USAAF and the GB-2 in the US Navy).

 

DISTINCTION

  • In 1944, the Museum's D17S flew with the U.S. Navy as a GB-2 (BuNo 23738) until 1946 when it became surplus for civilian purchase.
  • It also won "Best Cabin" award at the 1999 SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Status: Flyable
Manufacturer: Beech Aircraft Company
Year: 1944
Model: D17S Staggerwing
Registration Number: N4417S
Serial Number: C/N 6918
Crew: 1 (+3-4 passengers)
Max T/O Weight: 4,250 lb.
Span: 32 ft.
Length: 26 ft. 10 in.
Height: 8 ft.
Maximum Speed: 212 mph
Cruise Speed: 202 mph
Rate of Climb: 1,500 ft/min
Power Plant: One Pratt & Whitney R-985-SB 'Wasp Junior' radial engine; 450 hp (340 kW) at 2,300 rpm
Range: 670 miles
Service Ceiling: 25,000 ft.
Armament: None

 

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