Stearman C3
| Stearman C3 |
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| Stearman C3B |
| Role |
three-seat light commercial biplane |
| National origin |
United States |
| Manufacturer |
Stearman Aircraft |
| Designer |
Lloyd Stearman |
| First flight |
1927 |
| Status |
a few are still airworthy |
| Primary user |
air mail and commercial companies |
| Number built |
179 |
The Stearman C3 was an American-built civil biplane aircraft of the 1920s, designed by Stearman Aircraft of Wichita, Kansas.
Development
The C3 was a rugged biplane with simple straight wings, a tough undercarriage with oleo shock absorbers and two open cockpits with the pilot in the rear and two side-by-side passenger seats in the front. The C3 was powered by a variety of engines of between 128 hp and 225 hp, each version having its own designation.[1]
Operational history
The C3 was built with light commercial applications in mind, including passenger flying and business flights. The C3MB was a special mail-carrying aircraft based on the C3 with the forward cockpit enclosed as a dedicated cargo compartment. This version was operated in 1928 by National Parks Airways on airmail route CAM 26 from Salt Lake City, Utah to Pocatello, Idaho and Great Falls, Montana.[2]
Variants
Variants produced were:[1]
- C1
- First of the C series powered by a Curtiss OX-5, later re-engined with a 240hp Menasco-Salmson radial as the C1X. One built.
- C2
- Four aircraft similar to the C1;radiator mounted underneath, hydraulic shock absorbers and dual controls. Variously powered by 90hp Curtiss OX-5, Wright-Hisso A, Wright Whirlwind and Menasco-Salmson radial engine.
- C3B
- 220 hp (164 kW) Wright J5 radial engine.[3]
- C3C
- 180 hp (134 kW) Hispano E.
- C3H
- 240 hp (179 Kw) Menasco
- C3K
- 128 hp (95 kW) Siemens-Halske Sh 12.
- C3L
- 130 hp (97 kW) Comet
- C3MB
- C3B with forward cockpit enclosed for mail carrying.
- C3P
- 220 hp (164 kW) Wright J5 radial engine. Final example built.
- C3R
- 225 hp (168 kW) Wright J6 (also known as the Business Speedster).
Operators
- United States
Aircraft on display
Specifications (C3B)
Data from [4]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 2 passengers
- Length: 24 ft 0 in (7.32 m)
- Wingspan: 35 ft 0 in (10.68 m)
- Height: 9 ft 0 in (2.75 m)
- Empty weight: 1,650 lb (748 kg)
- Useful load: 1,025 lb (465 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 2,650 lb (567)
Performance
References
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Davies, R.E.G. Airlines of the United States since 1914. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1998. ISBN 1-888962-08-9.
- Simpson, Rod. Airlife's World Aircraft. Shrewsbury, UK: Airlife Publishing Ltd, 2001. ISBN 1-84037-115-3.
External links
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