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| It was perhaps the most produced biplane in all of aviation history with 10,346 examples rolling off the production line of the Stearman Aircraft Company between 1934 and 1945. And though the company christened the trainer with the name "Kaydet," those who flew and maintained it universally called it the Stearman. Initially designed as an entry into a procurement contest for a new Army Air Corps trainer, the Stearman served extensively in the Navy as well, with the sea service accepting the first of 4,318 examples of the biplane in the late-1930s. The earliest version was called the NS by the Navy, with later versions designated N2S. By the time of World War II, both Army and Navy operated standardized versions of the aircraft with interchangeable parts, unique in an era in which joint operations was not standard. No matter the uniform they wore, those associated with the Stearman respected it for its ruggedness, ease of maintenance, low operational costs, and flight characteristics. Challenging to an inexperienced pilot was its tendency to gound-loop in crosswind landings.
SPECIFICATIONS: Dimensions: Length: 25 ft., 4 in.; Height: 9 ft., 2 in.; Wingspan: 32 ft., 2 in. Weights: Empty: 1,940 lb.; Gross: 2,717 lb. Power Plant: One 220 horsepower Continental R-670-4 engine PERFORMANCE: Service Ceiling: 11,200 ft Range: 505 miles |
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| Bibliography: National Museum of Naval Aviation |