1937 Spartan Executive aircraft walkaround. Triple Tree Aerodrome (SC00) "The Spirit of Triple Tree"

We take a close up look at the Spartan Executive Model 7W. The creation was a result of founder William Skelly's vision for an aircraft designed to accommodate the luxury and performance expected by wealthy people. Powered by a 450 h.p. Pratt & Whitney Wasp Jr. engine, the Executive was Spartan's first attempt at an all-metal aircraft design using monocoque technology. The large engine and aerodynamic airframe allowed for a then-remarkable 200-mile (320 km) an hour cruise speed, a range of over 1,000 nautical miles (2,000 km) and a 25,000 ft (7,600 m) service ceiling. Thirty four 7W aircraft were produced.
Based directly on the high-performance design of the civilian Spartan 7W, a version of the aircraft was developed to meet military needs for high-performance reconnaissance and training aircraft. The re-designed model was named the Spartan Zeus 8W and featured a powerful Pratt & Whitney Wasp 600 h.p. engine.
The Spartan Aircraft Company was an American aircraft manufacturing company, headquartered on Sheridan Avenue near the Tulsa Municipal Airport in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Previously known as Mid-Continent Aircraft Company, the company had been reorganized under the Spartan name in 1928 by oil baron William G. Skelly-and operated until 1961, manufacturing aircraft, aircraft components, and recreational vehicle trailers. The company was known for the luxurious Spartan Executive aircraft produced in the late 1930s and early 1940s.
J. Paul Getty acquired the company from Skelly in 1935. After World War II, Getty ended aircraft production and converted the company to manufacturing trailers under the Spartan Manor brand-subsequently ending all production in 1961.
The Triple Tree Aerodrome is a 7,000ft. x 400ft grass strip field and 400 acre aviation park located in the upstate of SC and hosts one of the best airplane camping and fly in experiences in the country. Triple Tree is also home to spring the Joe Nall RC week which attracts thousands of RC pilots from all over the world.
The Home of Fun, Fellowship & Hospitality.
With the mission to Ignite and Expand the Passion for Aviation.
SC00 N34°543/W81°995
-Over 100 Premium Camp Sites
(Water and Electricity)
-Replica of Monet’s Garden in Giverny, France
-Separate Men’s and Women’s shower houses with granite countertops
-6 miles of walking trails
-3 Lakes
-Historic Enoree River on the Southern boarder of our facility
-Presentation Rooms
-Historical Aircraft
-Outdoor Patio overlooking our facility
-Restored WWII Control Tower
-7,000' x 400'. Grass Runway
#airplane #aviationdaily #pilot #pilotlife #avgeek #aviation #vintageaircraft #airplanes #airports #avaitionlovers

[@kuckoo9036]

"Ahead of its time" is almost an understatement.
Fully enclosed, all aluminium, stressed skin, cantilever monoplane with fully retractable landing gear. In 1936. This airplane must have been absolutely mind blowing when it was new.

[@classicperformance]

you are spot on. The Electra 12 of the same era was most likely the closest "cousin" to the Executive per use of advanced material throughout and design. However there were many times over more 12s produced and by a significantly larger specialized aircraft manufacturer than Spartan was.

[@bextar6365]

Outstanding plane even today ,

[@classicperformance]

It's simply amazing the spartan company could make such a sophisticated airplane with performance capabilities that even today are very respectable and then transform to making tag-along travel trailers and then be out of business. Of course the Packard car company is no longer today as well as many others. Thank for your interest.

[@PilotLH]

Stunning plane! Very lucky to be able to see one of these in the flesh!

[@classicperformance]

We agree, honored to have had the opportunity to visit with the Spartan Executive! We've got some more rare planes on the books to review and fly.

[@PilotLH]

@@classicperformance I look forward to it, this is one of my favourites and would love the chance to fly it!

[@classicperformance]

Thank you for your interest. Come see us at SC00 for a fly in at some point and check out the Spartan!

[@Ultra-FlightSim]

what a beautiful bird ! pure history, congrats to owner team and thanks for sharing !

[@classicperformance]

Our pleasure! we appreciate your interest! The Spartan was also in attendance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh '24 last month with a team of 4 young aviators all of which had a combined age less than that of the Spartan executive. Check the story out at Triple Tree online.

[@JamesSmith-vm8lx]

Great video. That's a lovely looking aeroplane.

[@classicperformance]

Thank you, James!! We appreciate your interest.

[@gormaline1024]

🤩 so cool!!!

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for your interest!!!

[@Stetsonhatman]

Why did they go with fabric in the tail control surfaces. Weight savings?

[@classicperformance]

weight and makes the manually controlled surfaces lighter on the controls for the pilot. Thanks for your interest!