Private Single Engine
Beechcraft Bonanza G36
ICAO: BE36
Overview
The Beechcraft Staggerwing C-17 was a high-performance cabin biplane developed in the 1930s. Designed to provide executive comfort and speed, it stood out for its distinctive negative stagger wing arrangement. The aircraft became one of the most advanced civil transports of its era.
Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-1
- Engine type
- Piston
- Power
- 850 hp · 634 kW
- Avionics
- —
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 3
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- —
- Cabin height
- —
- Cabin length
- —
- Exterior length
- 26 ft 10 in · 8.18 m
- Tail height
- —
- Fuselage diameter
- —
- Wing span
- 32 ft 0 in · 9.75 m
- Baggage volume
- —
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 4,250 lb · 1,950 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 1,350 lb · 600 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 150 gal · 500 L · 400 kg (AvGas)
- Max cruise speed
- 184 kt · 212 mph · 341 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 582 nm · 670 mi · 1,080 km
- Fuel burn
- 4.00 nm/gal · 1.96 km/L
- Ceiling
- 25,000 ft · 7,600 m
- Rate of climb
- 1,500 ft/min · 8 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- 610 ft · 190 m
- Landing distance
- 750 ft · 230 m
Gallery
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Operational Context
Beechcraft Staggerwing C-17 — luxury cabin biplane
The Staggerwing series first flew in 1932 under the designation Model 17. The C-17 variant was among several improvements made during the aircraft’s production run. Its design featured a retractable landing gear system and an enclosed cabin, uncommon for biplanes of the period.
Powered by a radial piston engine typically producing between 420 and 450 horsepower depending on configuration, the Staggerwing cruised at approximately 160 knots (300 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight was around 4,250 pounds (1,930 kg). The cabin accommodated up to four passengers in comfort.
The Staggerwing served business leaders, military operators, and private owners before and during World War II. Its blend of speed, luxury, and craftsmanship set a high standard for executive aircraft of the era. Today it remains one of the most iconic prewar American aircraft designs.