Frequently Asked Questions

After WWII, most Stearmans were converted for crop dusting. That's why there is so many of them still flying. Our technical information focuses on the airframe, which is common to all Stearman aircraft. The main difference is the engine. Check our Stearman History page for more information

Sorry, no. Adding a big 450HP engine was a common modification with crop dusters after WWII, and Stearman owners today. The military never flew this version, so there is no documentation, such as flight manuals, available.

Army Air Corps versions

PT-13 (215 HP) R-680-5 Lycoming engine

PT-13A (220 HP) R-680-7 Lycoming engine and improved instrumentation

PT-13B R-680-11 Lycoming engine

PT-13C with night-flying instrumentation

PT-13D R-680-17 Lycoming engine

PT-17 R-670-5 Continental engine

PT-17A blind-flying version

PT-17B pest-control equipment

PT-18 R-755-7 Jacobs engine

PT-18A blind-flying

PT-27 Canadian export model, winterized

Navy versions

N2S-1 R-670-14 Continental engine

N2S-2 R-680-8 Lycoming engine

N2S-3 R-670-4 Continental engine

N2S-4 R-670-5 Continental engine

N2S-5 R-680-17 Lycoming engine

General Specifications

First flight (Model 73):  Nov. 26, 1934

Model number:  Wichita 75

Classification:  Trainer

Span:  32 feet 2 inches

Length:  24 feet 3 inches

Gross weight:  2,717 pounds

Top speed:  124 mph

Cruising speed:  106 mph

Range:  505 miles

Ceiling:  11,200 feet

Power:  220-horsepower Continental R-670-5 piston radial engine (PT-17)

Accommodation: 2 crew