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| One of the most distinctive World War II USAAF aircraft was the UC-43 Traveler, a light transport biplane with negative or backward staggered wings. Three examples of the popular Beech commercial Model 17 Staggerwing aircraft, delivered in June 1939 for Army evaluation, were designated YC-43s. These were assigned to the U.S. air attaches at the American Embassies in London, Paris and Rome in 1939 and were operated by U.S. Army Air Corps personnel.
Early in WWII, the need for a compact executive-type transport or courier aircraft became apparent and in 1942 the Army ordered the first of 270 Model 17s for service in this country and overseas as UC-43s. These differed only in minor details from the commercial model. To meet urgent wartime needs, the government also purchased or leased additional Staggerwings from private owners including 118 more for the USAAF plus others for the Navy. SPECIFICATIONS: Span: 32 ft. Length: 26 ft. 1 1/2 in. Height: 8 ft. Weight: 4,250 lbs. maximum Armament: None Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 of 450 hp PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed: 212 mph Cruising speed: 202 mph Range: 785 miles Service ceiling: 20,000 ft. |
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| Bibliography: National Museum of the USAF |