Beechcraft Staggerwing C-17

The classic biplane that defined luxury air travel in the 1930s

Overview

Hawker Beechcraft United States 1933–1949 $500,000

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
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Beechcraft Staggerwing C-17

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.