The Stearman PT-13, also known as the Boeing-Stearman Model 75, was an American biplane primarily used as a military trainer aircraft during the 1930s and 1940s. Here are some key details about this iconic aircraft:
Design and Development:
In late 1933, Stearman engineers Mac Short, Harold W. Zipp, and J. Jack Clark modified a 1931 Lloyd Stearman design to create the Model 70.
They added cantilever landing gear and adjustable elevator trim tabs.
The resulting Model 73, designated NS-1 by the Navy, featured a 200-hp Wright J-5 engine.
The Navy ordered 41 NS-1 aircraft, along with spares for 20 more.
In 1934, Stearman engineers further refined the design into the Model X75.
The Army Air Corps evaluated the plane, which could be powered by either a 225-hp Wright R-760 or a 225-hp Lycoming R-680 engine.
The Army ordered 26 PT-13A aircraft with the Lycoming engine, and the Navy ordered an additional 20
Over time, more orders followed from both military branches and other nations
Variants:
The U.S. Army Air Forces used three different designations for the Model 75 Kaydet, depending on the type of radial engine installed:
PT-13: Initial production version with a Lycoming R-680-B4B engine (26 built in 1936).
PT-13A: Model A75 with an R-680-7 engine (92 delivered from 1937 to 1938)1.
Service and Legacy:
The Stearman PT-13 Kaydet served as a primary trainer for both the U.S. Army and Navy from 1936 to 1945.
Although commonly known as “Stearmans,” they were actually built by Boeing after the company acquired Stearman Aircraft in 1934.
After World War II, surplus PT-13s found new roles as crop dusters, sports planes, and even in aerobatic displays and wing walking during air shows3.
The Stearman PT-13 remains an enduring symbol of aviation history, having trained countless pilots during a pivotal era
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF), formerly known as the Confederate Air Force, is an American non-profit organization based in Dallas, Texas. Their mission is to preserve and showcase historical aircraft at airshows, primarily in the U.S. and Canada1. The CAF has several locations, including airbases, wings, squadrons, and other unit types. Here are some key points about the CAF:
Aircraft Collection: The CAF boasts one of the most comprehensive warbird collections in the world. They acquire, restore, and maintain combat aircraft flown by various military services of the United States and selected aircraft from other nations. These historic planes are preserved for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations of Americans
Membership: You don’t need to be a pilot or veteran to join the CAF. Colonel Membership is open to all men and women aged 18 and older, while Cadet membership is available for ages 13-172.
Events: The CAF hosts various events throughout the year. You can check out their upcoming events to experience meticulously restored World War II aircraft in person. For example, there’s the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit, which preserves and shares the inspiring history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first Black military pilots
Living History Flights: Many of the CAF’s aircraft are available for Living History Flight Experiences. Imagine taking a flight in a vintage warbird and experiencing history firsthand
Support and Donations: If you’re passionate about historic aviation, consider supporting the CAF. You can donate to help honor those who built, flew, and maintained these remarkable aircraft
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, history buff, or simply curious, the Commemorative Air Force offers a fascinating glimpse into the past through its impressive collection of flying warbirds