MaxSez: Here’s a world class candidate for inclusion into the IF Inventory.
A Bendix and Harman Trophy winner, Selected among the top 10 Favorites by the Aviation History Journal in 2010 and number 1 all time favorites by Plane & Pilot Magazine in 2013. This unique stagger wing bi-plane has and still flys all over the world in it civilian suit. An Air Show Favorite. (it reclaimed its trophy fame as a military courier/liaison craft by the US & allied forces in all theaters during WWll.). If your a skilled GA operator this unique Staggered Wing, Tail Dragging, Modified Bi-Plane, Cadillac of the Air, is what flying is all about. GA-All-The-Way!
Specifications (Beech Model D17S)
Beechcraft Model 17DS was designated YC-43 by the US Army Air Corps.
General characteristics
Crew: one
Capacity: three passengers
Payload: 125 lb (56.7 kg) of baggage
Length: 26 ft 10 in (8.18 m)
Wingspan: 32 ft (9.75 m)
Height: 8 ft (2.44 m)
Wing area: 296.5 ft² (27.55 m²)
Empty weight: 2,540 lb (1,150 kg)
Loaded weight: 4,250 lb (1,930 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-1 “Wasp Junior” radial engine, 450 hp (340 kW) at 2,300 rpm
Performance
Maximum speed: 212 mph (184 knots, 341 km/h)
Cruise speed: 202 mph (176 knots, 325 km/h)
Range: 582 nm (670 mi, 1,078 km)
Service ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,600 m)
Rate of climb: 1,500 ft/min (7.6 m/s)
Wing loading: 14.3 lb/ft² (70.0 kg/m²)
Power/mass: 9.44 lb/hp (5.68 kg/kW)
*****Anybody know the history of the “Wasp” or “Junior Wasp” radial?
I do notice that there is a link depicted within the image but, would you be able to provide a physical link as well? It would be highly recommended to vote for your own personal #features request as well ;)
@mattrich. MaxSez: The issue of photo credit has been beaten to death here. It was last addressed 2 days ago. Your take on attribution is not IAW Copyright Law as noted here repeatedly. Suggest you contact Moderator Carson by PM he addressed this issue recently. (Had to move votes, 1 Step at a time)
@Darth_Sidious. MaxSez: No the “AgCat” (was Tractor) has a standard Bi-Plane configuration. The 17S is unique American design. Soviet era Russian design look almost alike Bi is still around, see if you can ID it, NKorea has hundred!
Not even close, those AG-CATs are still in use today for the farming industry and forest fire service and the Beechcraft is a civilian and air show favorite as Max explained in his request.
Imagine just flying this down low through the countryside 😍. Cruise along the Mississippi, through the Seattle mountains, above new England, or in the Scottish island. Take things slower instead of thes 500knot jets.
