Boeing-Stearman Model 75

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The Boeing-Stearman Model 75 was an American biplane formerly used as a military trainer aircraft by the U.S. Air Forces and U.S. Navy.

Time Period: Interwar Period
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Trainer Aircraft, Biplane
Manufacturer: Stearman Aircraft / Boeing

Boeing-Stearman Model 75 Aircraft Overview

The Boeing-Stearman Model 75, also known simply as the Stearman, is a biplane that gained widespread recognition as a primary training aircraft during the mid-20th century. Although Boeing acquired the Stearman Aircraft Company in 1934, the Model 75 was originally designed by Lloyd Stearman in the 1930s.

The Stearman Model 75 featured a conventional biplane design with tandem seating and an open cockpit. It was primarily used to train military pilots, especially in the United States, during World War II. The aircraft’s rugged construction, reliable performance, and forgiving flight characteristics made it an ideal choice for novice pilots learning the ropes of aviation.

With its distinctive appearance, including large wings and a distinctive round cowling, the Stearman became an iconic symbol of vintage aviation. Its enduring popularity extends beyond its military training role, as many civilian pilots have also come to appreciate the Stearman’s charm and fly these aircraft for pleasure, aerobatics, and airshow performances.

Today, the Boeing-Stearman Model 75 holds a special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts worldwide. Its nostalgic appeal, historical significance, and continued presence in aviation events make it a beloved and recognized biplane among both pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Boeing-Stearman Construction

The Kaydet, a sturdy biplane, adhered to conventional design principles with its robust construction and featured a prominent fixed tailwheel undercarriage. Its design included tandem open cockpits to accommodate both the student and instructor.

While the radial engine was typically left exposed without a cowling, it is worth noting that certain Stearman operators, such as the renowned Red Baron Stearman Squadron, opted to enclose the engine within a cowling for their aircraft.

Famous Stearman Pilots

Several notable pilots have flown the Stearman biplane throughout its history. Here are a few examples:

Charles Lindbergh: The renowned aviator, most famous for his solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927, trained on a Stearman Model 4X while serving as an Army Air Service Reserve pilot.
Amelia Earhart: The pioneering aviator and advocate for women in aviation also trained on a Stearman C3B, which she affectionately called her “Yellow Peril.”
Tuskegee Airmen: The first African-American military aviators in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, many of the Tuskegee Airmen received their primary flight training on Stearman PT-13 and PT-17 models.
Astronauts: Some astronauts, such as Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, and Alan Shepard, the first American in space, trained on the Stearman biplane as part of their flight instruction.
Crop Dusters and Barnstormers: Throughout the 20th century, many crop dusters and barnstormers utilized modified Stearman biplanes for their aerial work and aerial displays, showcasing the aircraft’s versatility.

Boeing-Stearman Model 75 Specifications

Crew: 2
Length: 24 ft 9 in (7.54 m)
Wingspan: 32 ft 2 in (9.80 m)
Height: 9 ft 8 in (2.95 m)
Wing area: 298 sq ft (27.7 m²)
Empty weight: 1,931 lb (876 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 2,635 lb (1,195 kg)
Fuel capacity: 46 US gal (38 imp gal; 170 L)
Powerplant: 1 × Continental R-670-5 7-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine, 220 hp (160 kW)
Propellers: 2-bladed fixed-pitch propeller