Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing

In 1932, Walter H. Beech, formerly head of the aircraft manufacturer Travel Air, left Curtiss-Wright, which had purchased Travel Air in 1929, to set up a new company, Beech Aircraft Corporation, based in Wichita, Kansas. Beech took the airplane designer Ted A. Wells from Curtiss-Wright, and the first project of the new company was the Model 17, a fast biplane with an enclosed cabin designed to meet the needs of business executives. It was based on a design drafted by Wells while at Curtiss-Wright, but rejected by the Curtiss-Wright board.{{harvnb|Pelletier|1995|pp=13–14, 53}}{{harvnb|Berry|1990|pp=8–9}} The Beechcraft Model 17, popularly known as the "Staggerwing", was first flown on November 4, 1932. During its heyday, it was used as an executive aircraft, much as the private jet is now, and its primary competition were the Waco Custom Cabin and Waco Standard Cabin series of biplanes.

The Model 17's unusual negative stagger wing configuration (the upper wing staggered behind the lower) and unique shape maximized pilot visibility and was intended to reduce interference drag between the wings (although it was later found to have negligible effect).{{cite journal|journal=Sport Aviation|date=January 1961|title=The Beechcraft Biplanes}} The fabric-covered fuselage was faired with wood formers and stringers over a welded, steel tube frame. Construction was complex and took many man-hours to complete. The Staggerwing's retractable conventional landing gear, uncommon at that time, combined with careful streamlining, light weight, and a powerful radial engine, helped it perform well.

In the mid-1930s, Beech undertook a major redesign of the aircraft, to create the Model D17 Staggerwing. The D17 featured a lengthened fuselage that improved the aircraft's handling characteristics by increasing control leverage, and the ailerons were relocated to the upper wings, eliminating interference with the flaps. Braking was improved with a foot-operated brake linked to the rudder pedals.

Between April 1936 through May 1940 there were six Model 17 fatal accidents involving midair breakups that were attributed to weather conditions and structural failures, later determined to be caused by flutter of the ailerons and wings. The CAA Bureau of Safety Regulation initially issued an edict to restrict maximum airspeed and instrument flight, which was later replaced by a safety bulletin requiring lead balance weights to be added to the ailerons and flaps, and plywood panels to the outboard portion of the wings to increase torsional stiffness of the wing tip section.{{cite web|url=https://generalaviationnews.com/2019/05/22/the-savior-of-the-staggerwing-fleet/|title=The savior of the Staggerwing fleet|publisher=General Aviation News|date=May 22, 2019|first=Sparky|last=Barnes}}

Sales began slowly. The first Staggerwings' high price tag (between US$14,000 and $17,000, depending on engine size) scared off potential buyers in an already depressed civil aircraft market. Only 18 Model 17s were sold during 1933, the first year of production, but sales steadily increased. Each Staggerwing was custom-built by hand. The luxurious cabin, trimmed in leather and mohair, held up to five passengers. Eventually, the Staggerwing captured a substantial share of the passenger aircraft market. By the start of World War II, Beechcraft had sold more than 424 Model 17s.

File:Beech Aircraft Corporation ad Model 17 "Staggerwing" 1937.jpgThe Staggerwing's speed made it popular with 1930s air racers. An early version of the Model 17 won the 1933 Texaco Trophy Race. In 1935, a British diplomat, Capt. H.L. Farquhar, successfully flew around the world in a Model B17R, traveling 21,332 miles (34,331 kilometers) from New York to London, by way of Siberia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and back across Europe.

Louise Thaden and Blanche Noyes won the 1936 Bendix trophy in a Model C17R Staggerwing. Thaden also won the Harmon Trophy for her achievement. Jackie Cochran set a women's speed record of {{convert|203.9|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}, established an altitude record of over 30,000 feet (9,144 m), and finished third in the 1937 Bendix Trophy Race, all in a special Model D17W Staggerwing. The aircraft made an impressive showing in the 1938 Bendix race, as well.

In 1970, due to a dispute with the T-6 racing class, the Reno National Air Races invited five Staggerwings to perform a demonstration race. Two G models and two D17 models raced. The five pilots were Bryant Morris, Bert Jensen, Don Clark, Noel Gourselle, and Phil Livingston, the only pilot to have prior racing experience in the T-6 class. The race was flawless, with ABC Wide World of Sports coverage, but protesting T-6 racers prevented the class from future competition with allegations of safety issues.

File:Beechcraft Staggerwing production line.jpg at the beginning of Staggerwing production; the sole A17F (with fixed landing gear) is being constructed in front of the frames of the first and second production B17Ls.]]

As World War II loomed, a number of Model B17Ls were pressed into service as bombers by the Spanish Republican Air Force, the air forces of the Second Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War. China ordered a number of Staggerwings to use as air ambulances in its fight against Imperial Japan. Finland had one C17L as a liaison aircraft between 1940 and 1945. On October 2, 1941, Beech shipped a special camouflaged D17S to Prince Bernhard of Lippe, who was in exile in London after the German invasion of the Netherlands. He used it for refugee work in and around London.

The Beech UC-43 Traveler was a slightly modified version of the Staggerwing. In late 1938, the United States Army Air Corps purchased three Model D17Ss to evaluate them for use as light liaison aircraft. These were designated YC-43 (Y designating a development aircraft or non-standard type, C standing for Cargo). After a short flight test program, the YC-43s went to Europe to serve as liaison aircraft with the air attachés in London, Paris, and Rome.

Early in World War II, the need for a compact executive-type transport or courier aircraft became apparent, and in 1942, the United States Army Air Forces ordered the first of 270 Model 17s for service within the United States and overseas as the UC-43 (USAAF designation for Utility, Cargo). These differed only in minor details from the commercial model. To meet urgent wartime needs, the government also purchased or leased (impressed) additional "Staggerwings" from private owners, including 118 more for the Army Air Force plus others for the United States Navy. In Navy service, the airplanes were designated as GB-1 and GB-2 (under USN designating convention signifying General (purpose), Beech, 1st or 2nd variant of type). The British Royal Air Force and Royal Navy acquired 106 "Traveller Mk. I" (the British name uses the UK double "l" spelling) through the Lend-Lease arrangement to fill its own critical need for light personnel transports.

File:Beech UC-43 USAF.jpg

The production UC-43 differed in minor details from the service test YC-43. Two distinguishing external features of the UC-43 are the circular automatic direction finder antennae mounted between the main landing gear and landing lights near the lower wingtips. They were all powered by the 450 horsepower (336 kilowatt) Pratt & Whitney R-985 engine.

After the war's end, Beech immediately converted its manufacturing capabilities back to civil aircraft production, making one final version of the Staggerwing, the Model G17S. They built 16 aircraft, which they sold for US$29,000 apiece. Norway sold one D17S to Finland in 1949, which the Finnish Air Force used from 1950 to 1958.

The lightweight V-tail Beechcraft Bonanza, a powerful four-passenger luxury aircraft, soon replaced the venerable Staggerwing in the Beech product line, at about a third of the price. The Bonanza was a smaller aircraft with less horsepower, but carried four people at a similar speed to the Staggerwing. Beechcraft sold the 785th and final Staggerwing in 1948 and delivered it in 1949.

File:Beech YC-43.JPG

{{clear}}

In March 2003, Plane & Pilot magazine named the Staggerwing one of its Top Ten All-Time Favorite aircraft.{{cite web|url=http://www.planeandpilotmag.com/content/2003/mar/top10_favorites.html |date=March 2003 |access-date=August 7, 2006 |publisher=Warner Publishing Corporation |title=Top 10 All-Time Favorites |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018021707/http://www.planeandpilotmag.com/content/2003/mar/top10_favorites.html |archive-date=October 18, 2006 |df=dmy }}

In the April 2007 issue of AOPA Pilot magazine, it was reported that the Staggerwing was voted by nearly 3000 AOPA members as the Most Beautiful Airplane. "Members said it's the perfect balance between 'muscular strength and delicate grace,' and rated it highly for its 'classic lines and symmetry.'"

The November 2012 issue of Aviation History magazine ranked the Staggerwing fifth in their top 12 list of the Worlds Most Beautiful Airplanes. Stating that "Some might think 'the Stag' ungainly, backward wings and all, yet it has become the prime example of vintage beauty" and "...the aftward upper wing led to the big, steeply raked windscreen that is also a key element of what some have called an art deco classic."{{cite journal|last=Wilkinson|first=Stephan|title=Aviation History Magazine; "The Worlds Most Beautiful Airplanes"| journal=Aviation History |year=2012|publisher=Weider History Group|location=Leesburg, VA|issn=1076-8858|pages=22–29|url=http://www.historynet.com/magazines/aviation_history|access-date=September 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918024952/http://www.historynet.com/magazines/aviation_history|archive-date=September 18, 2012|url-status=dead}}

;17

:Fixed gear prototypes, manufactured from 1932 to 1933.{{harvnb|Pelletier|1995|p=54}}

:;17R

::Prototypes, powered by {{convert|420|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Wright R-975-E2 engine. Made first flight on November 4, 1932. Two built.{{harvnb|Pelletier|1995|p=53}}

:;17J

::Proposed single-seat military development of the Model 17 powered by a {{convert|715|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Wright Cyclone engine. The cockpit was moved aft of the upper wing, which was to be in an inverted gull configuration to improve visibility. Not built.{{harvnb|Pelletier|1995|p=175}}

;A17

:Fixed gear, plans for production abandoned in 1935.

:;A17F

::Powered by {{convert|690|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Wright R-1820-F11 engine. One built.

:;A17FS

::Powered by {{convert|710|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Wright SR-1820-F3 engine. One built.

;B17

:Retractable gear, first production model, manufactured from March 1934 to March 1936.

:;B17B

::{{convert|285|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Jacobs L-5 engine. One built 1934.{{harvnb|Pelletier|1995|p=55}}

:;B17E

::{{convert|285|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Wright R-760-E1 engine. Four built from 1935.{{harvnb|Pelletier|1995|pp=55–56}}

:;B17L

::{{convert|225|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Jacobs L-4 engine. 48 built.{{harvnb|Pelletier|1995|p= 56}}

:;SB17L

::B17L fitted with floats. One built.

:;B17R

::{{convert|425|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Wright R-975-E2/E3 engine. 16 built from 1935.

;C17

:Manufactured from March 1936 to March 1937.

:;C17B

::{{convert|285|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Jacobs L-5 engine. 40 built.

:;SC17B

::Floatplane version of C17B - One built.

:;C17E

:: {{convert|285|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Wright R-760-E1.

:;C17L

:: {{convert|225|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Jacobs L-4 engine. Six built.{{harvnb|Pelletier|1995| p=57}}

:;C17R

::{{convert|420|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Wright R-975-E2/E3 engine. 16 built.

:;SC17R

:: Floatplane C17R. One built.

File:1944D17S.jpg

;D17

:Manufactured from March 1937 to 1945 (All were military models after 1941).

:;D17A

::{{convert|350|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Wright R-760-E2. 10 built.

:;D17R

::{{convert|420|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Wright R-975-E3 engine. 27 built.{{harvnb|Pelletier|1995|pp=57–58}}

:;D17S

::{{convert|450|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Pratt & Whitney R-985-SB Wasp Junior. 23 built.{{harvnb|Pelletier|1995|p=58}}

:;SD17S

::Floatplane version of D17S.

:;D17W

::{{convert|600|hp|kW|abbr=on}} geared and supercharged Pratt & Whitney R-985-SC-G Wasp Junior. Two built.

;E17

:Manufactured from March 1937 to 1941.

:;E17B

:: Powered by {{convert|285|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Jacobs L-MB engine. 50 built.

:;SE17B

:: Amphibian version of E17B. Four built.

:;E17L

:: Powered by {{convert|225|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Jacobs L-4 engine. One built.

File:Beechcraft-F17D-Staggerwing.jpg

;F17

:Manufactured from April 1938 to 1941.

:;F17D

:: Powered by {{convert|330|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Jacobs L-6 engine. 61 built.

:;SF17D

:: One built.

;G17

:Manufactured from 1946 to 1948.

:;G17S

:: Powered by {{convert|450|hp|kW|abbr=on}} Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN4 engine. 20 built.

;Tachikawa-Beechcraft C17E Light Transport

:20 built in licence production in Japan by Tachikawa, plus two assembled from imported parts for Dai Nihon Koku KK. Manshu, Chuka Koku and agencies such as provincial police headquarters.

;20M

:Unbuilt twin-engine derivative of the Model 17. Was to have been powered by two Menasco C6S-4 Super Buccaneer engines. Canceled in favor of the Model 18.{{Cite web |title=Bygone Beechcrafts – Part One |url=https://kingairmagazine.com/article/bygone-beechcrafts-part-one/ |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=King Air |language=en-US}}

File:Beech YC-43 39-139 side view in London.jpg

;YC-43

:Three Model D17S with a 450hp R-985-17 engine for evaluation by the United States Army Air Corps

File:Beechcraft UC-43 43-10859 side view.jpg

;UC-43 Traveler

:Production version with a 450hp R-985-AN-1 engine, 75 ordered for the Army Air Corps and 63 for the United States Navy as the GB-1, 132 were later transferred from the Navy to the Army Air Corps.

;UC-43A

:Model D17R with 440hp R-975-11 engine, 13 impressed into service.

;UC-43B

:Model D17S with 450hp R-985-17 engine, 13 impressed into service.

;UC-43C

:Model F17D with 300hp R-915-1 engine, 37 impressed into service.

;UC-43D

:Model E17B with 285hp R-830-1 engine, 31 impressed into service.

;UC-43E

:Model C17R with 440hp R-975-11 engine, five impressed into service.

;UC-43F

:Model D17A with 350hp R-975-3 engine, one impressed into service.

;UC-43G

:Model C17B with 285hp R-830-1 engine, 10 impressed into service.

;UC-43H

:Model B17R with 440hp R-975-11 engine, three impressed into service.

;UC-43J

:Model C17L with 225hp R-755-1 engine, three impressed into service.

;UC-43K

:Model D17W, one impressed into service. This aircraft was originally built in 1937 for famed aviator Jacqueline Cochran. Cochran flew the airplane in the 1937 Bendix cross-country race and placed first in the Women's Division and 3rd overall. She also set a Women's National Speed Record of 203.895 miles per hour using the airplane.

File:Beechcraft GB-1 Traveler.jpg

;GB-1

:United States Navy transport version of the D17, ten bought in 1939 and ten impressed into USN service.

;GB-2

:USN version as GB-1 but with a 450hp R-985-50 or R-985-AN-1 engine, 271 built, 132 later transferred to USAAF as UC-43s. Also additional aircraft from a cancelled British contract and impressed aircraft.

;JB-1

:One Model C17R as an executive transport for the United States Navy.

;Traveller I

:British designation for the former US Embassy in London's YC-43 and 107 UC-43 and GB-2 aircraft delivered mainly for the Royal Navy.

;D1Be

:Brazilian Navy designation for the Model D17A.{{Cite web |title=Brazilian Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/brazil.html |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=designation-systems.net}}

{{Acopmap|Staggerwing|Military staggerwing operators}}

Numbers operated from{{cite web|url=http://www.worldairforces.com |title=World Air Forces: Historical listings of the aircraft used |author=Chris Thornburg |date=December 3, 2006 |work=www.worldairforces.com |publisher=Chris Thornburg |access-date=August 6, 2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716224534/http://www.worldairforces.com/ |archive-date=July 16, 2012 |df=dmy }}

File:Lineup of Beechcraft GB-2 Travelers, in early 1943 (060519-F-1234P-003).jpg

File:Beechcraft UC-43 Travelers, in early 1943 (060519-F-1234P-006).jpg

;{{AUS}}

• Royal Australian Air Force (operated three from 1941 to 1947)

;{{BOL}}

• Bolivian Air Force (received one in 1941)

;{{flag|Brazil|1889}}

• NAB – Navegação Aérea Brasileira (airline)
• Brazilian Air Force (operated 54 from 1942 to 1960)
• Brazilian Navy (operated four from 1940 to 1941)

;{{China as ROC}}

• Chinese Nationalist Air Force (operated 21 from 1937 to 1945)

;File:Flag of the Republic of China-Nanjing (Peace, Anti-Communism, National Construction).svg Republic of China-Nanjing

• Nanjing air force (operated one from 1941 to 1945)Jowett, Philip (2004). Rays of The Rising Sun, Armed Forces of Japan’s Asian Allies 1931–45, Volume I: China & Manchuria. p. 96.

;{{CUB}}

• Cuban Army Aviation Corps (operated two in 1945 and 1958)

;{{Flag|Ethiopia|1897}}

• Ethiopian Government (operated two from 1935 to 1936)

;{{FIN}}

• Finnish Air Force (operated one C17L from 1940 to 1945 and one D17S from 1950 to 1958){{cite book|last1=Heinonen|first1=Timo|last2=Valtonen|first2=Hannu|title=Albatrossista Pilatukseen – Suomen sotilaslentokoneet 1917–2010|date=2010|publisher=Keski-Suomen ilmailumuseo|location=Tikkakoski|isbn=978-952-99989-2-0|pages=160–161|language=fi}}

;{{HON}}

• Honduran Air Force (operated two from 1936 to 1958)

;{{NLD}}

• Netherlands Naval Aviation Service (one from 1942 to 1945)

;{{NZL}}

• Royal New Zealand Air Force
• No. 42 Squadron RNZAF

;{{PER}}

• Peruvian Air Force five from 1946 to 1958

;{{flag|Spain|1931}}

• Spanish Republican Air Force (operated nine in 1936)

;{{UK}}

• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy - Fleet Air Arm{{sfn|Thetford|1991|p=404}}
• 701 Naval Air Squadron
• 712 Naval Air Squadron
• 730 Naval Air Squadron
• 740 Naval Air Squadron
• 776 Naval Air Squadron
• 778 Naval Air Squadron
• 781 Naval Air Squadron
• 782 Naval Air Squadron
• 787 Naval Air Squadron
• 799 Naval Air Squadron

;{{flag|USA|1912}}

• US Army Air Corps
• US Army Air Force
• United States Navy
• Civil Air Patrol

;{{URY}}

• Uruguayan Air Force (operated one from 1944 to 1962)

;Brazil

• 6691 – D17S on static display at the Museu Aeroespacial in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.{{cite web|title=Staggerwing – Beechcraft D17S | Beech Aircraft Corporation|url=http://www2.fab.mil.br/musal/index.php/anvs/202-d17s|website=Museu Aeroespacial|access-date=January 17, 2017}}{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier – Beech UC-43 Traveler, s/n 2778 FABr, c/n 6691, c/r PT-CVC|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=104874|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|access-date=January 17, 2017}}

File:Beech UC-43 Traveler USAF.jpg

File:Beechcraft B17L Staggerwing (NC14409, cn 21) (12-12-2023).jpg

;United States

• 1 – 17R on display at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum in Tullahoma, Tennessee. This airframe is the prototype Model 17.{{cite web|title=Aircraft Exhibits & Memorabilia|url=https://beechcrafthm.org/exhibits.html|website=Beechcraft Heritage Museum|access-date=July 24, 2017|archive-date=August 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806142643/https://beechcrafthm.org/exhibits.html|url-status=dead}}
• 21 – B17L on display at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
• 93 – C17L on static display at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. It was built as a C17B and originally owned by Buzz Aldrin's father.{{cite web|title=Beechcraft C17L Staggerwing|url=https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/beechcraft-c17l-staggerwing|website=Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum|access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118220103/https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/beechcraft-c17l-staggerwing|url-status=dead}}
• 100 – C17B on display at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
• 231 – E17B on display at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
• 257 – F17D on display at the Mid-America Air Museum in Liberal, Kansas.{{cite web|last1=Peijmen|first1=Dré|title=c/n 225 – 264|url=http://beech17.net/?page_id=2403|website=www.beech17.net|publisher=WordPress|access-date=January 17, 2017}}
• 305 – D17A on static display at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon. This airframe was impressed into service during World War II as UC-43F 42-49071.{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier – Beech UC-43F Traveler, s/n 42-49071 USAAF, c/n 0305, c/r N50959|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=26457|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|access-date=January 17, 2017}}{{cite web|last1=Baugher|first1=Joe|title=1942 USAAF Serial Numbers (42-39758 to 42-50026)|url=http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1942_2a.html|website=JoeBaugher.com|access-date=January 17, 2017|date=December 28, 2016}}
• 333 – F17D on display at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
• 395 – D17S on display at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
• 2012 - D17S on display inside at the Clarksville Regional Airport and Jet Center at Clarksville, Tennessee.
• 4835 – D17S on display at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
• 4890 – UC-43 on display at the Yanks Air Museum in Chino, California. It has the USAAF serial number 43-10842. It was the museum's first aircraft and bears the seal of the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom.{{cite web|title=Beech D17S (UC-43)|url=https://yanksair.org/collection/beech-d17s-uc-43/|website=Yanks Air Museum|access-date=January 17, 2017}}{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier – Beech UC-43 Traveler, s/n 43-10842 USAAF, c/n 4890, c/r N51746|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=7559|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|access-date=January 17, 2017}}
• 6700 – GB-2 on static display at the National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola near Pensacola, Florida. It has the US Navy Bureau Number 23688.{{cite web|title=GB-2 TRAVELLER|url=http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=gb_traveller|website=National Naval Aviation Museum|publisher=Naval Aviation Museum Foundation|access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912233950/http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=gb_traveller|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier – Beech GB-2 Traveler, s/n 32873 USN, c/n 6700, c/r N9459H|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=34252|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|access-date=January 17, 2017}}
• 6880 – UC-43 on display at the Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Florida.{{cite web|title=Currently Showing In Museum|url=http://www.fantasyofflight.com/collection/aircraft/currently-showing-in-museum|website=Fantasy of Flight| date=November 14, 2016 |access-date=January 17, 2017}}{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier – Beech UC-43 Traveler, s/n 44-67772 USAAF, c/n 6880, c/r N52962|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=7194|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|access-date=January 17, 2017}}
• 6897 – D17S on display at the Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston, Texas.{{cite web|url=https://www.lonestarflight.org/aircraft/beechcraft-d-17s-staggerwing|title=Beechcraft D-17S Staggerwing: An Art Deco classic|publisher=Lone Star Flight Museum|access-date=2019-05-23|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523213004/https://www.lonestarflight.org/aircraft/beechcraft-d-17s-staggerwing|url-status=dead}} Registration N666TX.
• 6913 – GB-2 on static display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. It is painted as UC-43 39-139.{{cite web|title=Beech UC-43 Traveler|url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196273/beech-uc-43-traveler/|website=National Museum of the US Air Force|access-date=January 17, 2017|date=April 16, 2015}}{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier - Beech UC-43 Traveler, s/n 23733 USN, c/n 6913, c/r N67198|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=51969|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|access-date=January 17, 2017}}
• B-3 – G17S on display at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
• B-7 – G17S on display at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum in Tullahoma, Tennessee.

{{Incomplete list|date=April 2023}}

File:Duxford Autumn Airshow 2013 (10543106773).jpg

Many Staggerwings remain registered with the FAA in flyable condition, or undergoing restoration. Several military versions are on display.

;Canada

• 403 – D17S in storage at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin, Alberta.{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier – Beech D17S Staggerwing, c/n 0403, c/r CF-DTE|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=18970|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|access-date=January 17, 2017}}
• 4874 – D17S airworthy owned by 1138110 Alberta Ltd. of Edmonton, Alberta. It was previously owned by Vintage Wings of Canada in Gatineau, Quebec.{{cite web|title=Beech D-17S Staggerwing|url=http://www.vintagewings.ca/Aircraft/tabid/66/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/18/language/en-CA/Beech-D-17S-Staggerwing.aspx|website=Vintage Wings of Canada|access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-date=April 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110422181956/http://www.vintagewings.ca/Aircraft/tabid/66/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/18/language/en-CA/Beech-D-17S-Staggerwing.aspx|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier – Beech UC-43 Traveler, s/n 43-10826 USAAF, c/n 4874, c/r CF-GKY|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=2|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|access-date=January 17, 2017}}{{cite web|title=Canadian Civil Aircraft Register: Aircraft Details [CF-GKY]|url=http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/saf-sec-sur/2/ccarcs-riacc/ADet.aspx?id=1508&rfr=RchSimpRes.aspx?m=%7cGKY%7c|website=Transport Canada| date=August 28, 2013 |access-date=January 17, 2017}}{{cite web|last1=Peijmen|first1=Dré|title=c/n 4871 – 4900|url=http://beech17.net/?page_id=1155|website=www.beech17.net|publisher=WordPress|access-date=January 17, 2017}}

;United Kingdom

• 4803 – D17S airworthy at Old Buckenham Airport in Norwich, Norfolk.{{cite news|last1=Knights|first1=Emma|title=Video and photo gallery: Staggering sights on offer at this year's Old Buckenham Airshow|url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/business/tourism/video_and_photo_gallery_staggering_sights_on_offer_at_this_year_s_old_buckenham_airshow_1_3484411|access-date=January 17, 2017|work=Eastern Daily Press|publisher=Archant Community Media Ltd|date=March 25, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306211019/http://www.edp24.co.uk/business/tourism/video_and_photo_gallery_staggering_sights_on_offer_at_this_year_s_old_buckenham_airshow_1_3484411|archive-date=March 6, 2016|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|title=FAA Registry [N9405H]|url=http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N9405H|website=Federal Aviation Administration|publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation|access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118051619/http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N9405H|url-status=dead}}
• 6701 – D17S airworthy at The Fighter Collection in Duxford, Cambridgeshire. It was built in 1943 as a US Navy model GB-2. It was shipped to the UK and flown by Royal Navy's 782 Naval Air Squadron as Traveller Mk.I FT475. Postwar, it was returned to the US and flown by the US Air Force before passing into private hands. It came back to the UK in 1990 and has since flown with several owners under the UK registration G-BRVE.{{cite web|title=Beech D-17S Staggerwing|url=http://fighter-collection.com/cft/beech-d-17s-staggerwing|website=The Fighter Collection|access-date=January 17, 2017}}{{cite web|title=GINFO Search Results [G-BVRE]|url=https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?catid=1&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=detailnosummary&fullregmark=BRVE|website=Civil Aviation Authority|access-date=January 17, 2017}} (see also media commons Gallery of G-BRVE)

File:Beechcraft Staggerwing D17S NC67555 FDK MD2.jpg

;United States

• 102/110 – C17B airworthy with Christine M. St. Onge of Wexford, Pennsylvania.{{cite web|title=FAA Registry [N47024]|url=http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=47024|website=Federal Aviation Administration|publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation|access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118051457/http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=47024|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last1=Peijmen|first1=Dré|title=c/n 94 – 123|url=http://beech17.net/?page_id=2243|website=www.beech17.net|publisher=WordPress|access-date=January 17, 2017}} It is operated out of Grove City Airport in Grove City, Pennsylvania. The aircraft is painted in the colors and scheme used by Blanche Noyes and Louise Thaden for the 1936 Bendix Air Race.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}
• 198 – UC-43D airworthy at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas, Texas.{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier – Beech UC-43D Traveler, s/n 42-61093 USAAF, c/n 0198, c/r N57829|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=28006|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|access-date=January 17, 2017}}{{cite web|title=FAA Registry [N57829]|url=http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N57829|website=Federal Aviation Administration|publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation|access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118050950/http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N57829|url-status=dead}}
• 3098 – D17S airworthy at the Legacy Flight Museum in Rexburg, Idaho.{{cite web|title=Planes|url=http://rexburg.org/pages/lfm-planes|website=Legacy Flight Museum|publisher=City of Rexburg|access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-date=December 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230082425/http://rexburg.org/pages/lfm-planes|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=FAA Registry [N217SD]|url=http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N217SD|website=Federal Aviation Administration|publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation|access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118051748/http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N217SD|url-status=dead}}
• 6704 – UC-43 airworthy at the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo, New York.{{cite web|title=Beechcraft UC-43 Staggerwing|url=http://www.nationalwarplane.org/Our-Fleet/Beechcraft-UC-43-Staggerwing|website=National Warplane Museum|access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628212122/http://www.nationalwarplane.org/Our-Fleet/Beechcraft-UC-43-Staggerwing|archive-date=June 28, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|title=Airframe Dossier – Beech GB-2 Traveler, s/n 32876 USN, c/n 6704, c/r N582|url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=7818|website=Aerial Visuals|publisher=AerialVisuals.ca|access-date=January 17, 2017}}{{cite web|title=FAA Registry [N582]|url=http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N582|website=Federal Aviation Administration|publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation|access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118051228/http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N582|url-status=dead}}
• 6914 – D17S airworthy at the Historic Flight Foundation in Spokane, Washington.{{cite web|title=Beechcraft Staggerwing|url=http://historicflight.org/hf/collection/beechcraft/|website=Historic Flight at KILO-7|access-date=January 17, 2017}}{{cite web|title=FAA Registry [N67738]|url=http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=67738|website=Federal Aviation Administration|publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation|access-date=January 17, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118051230/http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=67738|url-status=dead}}

File:Beechcraft UC-43 3-view line drawing.png

{{Aircraft specs

|prime units?=imp

|ref=Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War II{{Ref Jane's|The Beechcraft Traveller|205}}

|crew=one

|capacity = three or four passengers plus 125 lb (56.7 kg) baggage

|length ft=26

|length in=10

|length m=

|span ft=32

|span m=

|height ft=8

|height m=

|wing area sqft=296.5

|wing area sqm=

|empty weight lb=2,540

|empty weight kg=

|gross weight lb=4,250

|gross weight kg=

|eng1 name=Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-1

|eng1 type="Wasp Junior" radial engine

|eng1 number=1

|eng1 hp=450

|eng1 kw=

|eng1 note=at 2,300 rpm

|max speed mph=212

|max speed kts=

|max speed kmh=

|cruise speed mph=202

|cruise speed kts=

|cruise speed kmh=

|range nmi=582

|range miles=

|range km=

|ceiling ft=25000

|ceiling m=

|climb rate ftmin=1500

|climb rate ms=

|wing loading lb/sqft=14.3

|wing loading kg/m2=

|power/mass=9.44 lb/hp (5.68 kg/kW)

}}

File:The Instrument Panel... Updated (795557417).jpg

{{Aircontent

|related=

|similar aircraft=

• Howard DGA-15
• Spartan Executive

|lists=

• List of aircraft of the Spanish Republican Air Force
• List of aircraft of World War II
• Military transport aircraft

|see also=

• Griffon Lionheart

}}

;Notes

{{Reflist|30em}}

;Bibliography

• {{cite book |last=Berry |first=Peter |title=Beechcraft Staggerwing |year=1990 |location=Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania, US |publisher=TAB Books |isbn=0-8306-8410-7}}
• {{cite web

|last = Guillemette

|first = Roger

|url = http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/GENERAL_AVIATION/staggerwing/GA11.htm

|title = Beech Model 17 Staggerwing

|publisher = U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission

|access-date = January 6, 2006

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051214030559/http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/GENERAL_AVIATION/staggerwing/GA11.htm

|archive-date = December 14, 2005

|url-status=dead

|df = mdy-all

}}

• {{cite web

|url=http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/research/cargo/c4/cargo4.htm

|title=Cargo Aircraft Virtual Gallery; World War II era Development- Part I

|publisher=National Museum of the United States Air Force

|access-date=January 6, 2006

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051128012643/http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/research/cargo/c4/cargo4.htm

|archive-date=November 28, 2005

|url-status=dead

|df=dmy

}}

• {{cite book |last=Pelletier |first= A. J. |title=Beech Aircraft and their Predecessors |year=1995 |location=Annapolis, Maryland, USA |publisher=Naval Institute Press |isbn=1-55750-062-2}}
• {{cite book|author=Phillips, Edward H.|title=The Staggerwing Story|publisher=Flying Books International|year=1996|isbn=0-911139-27-3}}
• {{cite book |last1=Thetford |first1=Owen |title=British Naval Aircraft since 1912 |year=1991 |publisher=Putnam Aeronautical Books, an imprint of Conway Maritime Press Ltd |location= London, UK |isbn=0-85177-849-6 }}

{{Commons}}

• [https://beechcrafthm.org/ Beechcraft Heritage Museum]

{{Beechcraft}}

{{USN transport single-engined}}

{{USAF transports}}

{{USN utility aircraft}}

{{ADF aircraft designations}}

{{AvN aircraft designations}}

{{Authority control}}

Staggerwing

Category:Biplanes with negative stagger

Category:1930s United States civil utility aircraft

Category:1930s United States military transport aircraft

Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft

Category:Aircraft first flown in 1932

Category:Single-engined piston aircraft

Category:Aircraft with retractable conventional landing gear