Aircraft used as the primary trainer for U.S. Army and U.S. Navy pilots training during the Second World War.
In 1933, Lloyd Stearman designed the forerunner of the Kaydet PT-17, a variation of the PT-13 model, for the civilian market. In 1938, Boeing purchased the Stearman Company and later produced the PT-17 aircraft for pilot training and service during World War II. US Army Air Forces pilots learned to fly by using the Kaydet in the first phase of their training. Overall, Boeing delivered over 8,000 PT-17 aircraft to the US Army Air Forces during World War II.
In 1945, Hill Field received and stored many Stearman trainers due to demobilization at the end of World War II. In 1943, the US Army Air Forces sold the PT-17A on display to a private owner, and it served as a crop duster until the US Air Force Museum Program acquired it in 1980. Two years later, Hill Air Force Base received the aircraft for restoration, and then displayed it at the Hill Aerospace Museum.
Serial Number: 41-25284
Manufacturer: Boeing-Stearman
Primary Function: Flight Training
Crew: Two (Instructor & Student)
Engines: One Continental R-670-5 seven-cylinder radial; 220 horsepower
Wingspan: 32 ft 2 in
Length: 25 ft 1/4 in
Height: 9 ft 2 in
Weight: 1,936 lbs (empty); 2,717 lbs loaded (maximum)
Speed: Maximum Speed: 124 mph; Cruising Speed: 106 mph
Range: 505 miles
Service Ceiling: 11,200 ft
Armament: None
Payload: None
Cost: $9,896 (average PT-17 cost of unit as of 1942)
Years of Service: 1936 – late 1940s
In 1945, Hill Air Force Base received and stored many Stearman trainers due to the end of World War II and the closing of training facilities. In 1943, the PT-17A on display was sold to a private owner and served as a crop duster until the US Air Force Museum Program acquired it in 1980. Two years later, Hill Air Force Base received the aircraft for restoration and it was put on display at Hill Aerospace Museum. When the museum moved to its new buildings in 1991, plans were formulated to hang several aircraft from the ceiling of the new display gallery. In early 1996, the venerable PT-17 was placed in “perpetual flight” when it was suspended in its current position with the other World War II era trainers.
Aircraft used as the primary trainer for U.S. Army and U.S. Navy pilots training during the Second World War.
While an easy-to-fly aircraft, the Stearman was difficult to fly well, allowing trainers to differentiate pilot capabilities.
The primary difference was the PT-17 was fitted with a Continental engine, rather than the Lycoming engine of the PT-13.
A total of 8,584 were built by Stearman Aircraft.