The story
Walter Beech started a new company in 1932, and its first design was the Model 17: a fast cabin biplane for business travelers. Its lower wing sits ahead of the upper one, a rare negative stagger that gave it its name. Retractable gear, careful streamlining and a big radial made it quick, and the D17S tops out at 212 mph. Beech built about 780 between 1933 and 1949, and the Army ordered 270 for the war as the UC-43 Traveler.
In 1936 Louise Thaden and Blanche Noyes won the Bendix Trophy race in a C17R Staggerwing, and Thaden took the Harmon Trophy for it.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing?
A biplane whose lower wing sits ahead of the upper wing: if the top wing leads, it is not a Staggerwing. Single I-shaped strut between the wings on each side, an enclosed cabin with a big raked windscreen under the upper wing, a round radial cowling, and main wheels that retract. Wartime UC-43s carry a round direction-finder antenna between the main gear and landing lights near the lower wingtips.
What does a Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing sound like?
The deep, rumbling beat of a big radial engine.
How fast is the Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing?
Top speed is 184 kts (212 mph) (D17S).
How many passengers does the Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing carry?
Up to 4. A typical layout is Pilot plus three or four passengers in an enclosed cabin.
How far can the Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing fly?
Range is about 582 nmi (D17S).
How big is the Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing?
It is 26 ft 10 in (D17S) long and 32 ft 0 in (D17S) across the wings.
When did the Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing first fly?
Its first flight was in 1932.
How many Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwings have been built?
About 780 (all models) built.
How rare is a Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing catch is worth 25 points.
