Beechcraft D-17 Staggerwing (oz5658)

About this Plan

Beechcraft D-17 Staggerwing. Radio control scale model biplane for .60 to .80 engines. Wingspan 56in, area 907 sq in, weight 7.5 - 8.6lb. Airfoil is NACA 23012. This kit came complete with a spun aluminium cowl.

Quote: "Royal Products BEECH D-17 'STAGGERWING'

INTRODUCTION: To many, the Beech D-17 Staggerwing represents one of the finest achievements of the aviation industry of the 1930's. Now regarded as a classic, the Staggerwing still is in active service with many examples in mint flying condition.

The official designation of the Staggerwing is model 17. Many variants were offered with engines ranging from a 225hp Jacobs, to a 710 hp Wright cyclone. The most common variant today is the D-17s with the Pratt & Whitney 450hp engine.

The Staggerwing was designed primarily as a business type of aircraft. It combined excellent top speed, reasonable fuel economy, and surprisingly good landing and take-off characteristics. Stories abound in literature about the Staggerwing telling of short field landings, high cargo loads and excellent service records.

Specifications for the model D-17S are as follows:

1. Power: 450 hp @ 2300 rpm
2. Max speed: 240 mph.
3. Max ceiling: 25,000 ft.
4. Fuel consumption: 20-25 gal/hr at normal cruise (180mph)
5. Wingspan: 32 ft.
6. Length: 26 ft 1.5 in.
7. Height: 8 ft.
8. Wing area: 296.5 ft.

Many sources are available for information. Consult the popular flying magazines and:

1. Air Progress, March 1973
2. Staggerwing. Robert T. Smith, R.S. Maney Press, Media PA 19065
3. Aviation Quarterly. 6045 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA
4. National Aeronautics, November/December 1974
5. Radio Control Modeler, December 1975.

FUSELAGE CONSTRUCTION:
1) Begin by mounting the tail wheel bracket to former F-13. Enlarge hole for pushrod movement.
2) Carefully mark the former locations on F-16, F-17's, and F-15's.
3) Test fit all formers F-1 thru F-1 4 .Assemble the interlocking plywood framework without glue. Check that F-16 remains straight when you sight down it from the front or rear.
4) Using slow setting epoxy glue, assemble the framework. Use tape and pins to maintain alignment. Check that the formers fit where your marks from step 2 show they should. Be certain that the fuselage is not twisted. Repeatedly sight down F-16 to check alignment. Don't glue formers F-5, 6, or 8 to F-16.
5) When the framework is set, install engine mounts EM & F-18 spacers. Glue the lower wing fillet formers F-21 & F-22 in place. Cut out F-16 as indicated on the plans.
6) Assemble the two F-32 tail block sides to F-33.
7) Glue all the rear longerons in place. Remember that the top corner longerons are spruce. Several of the longerons are notched to fit the lower corners of F-12. Drill EM for motor mounting holes and install mounting hardware.
8) Add rear block F-30 after relieving it for the tail wheel.
9) Trial fit stab & fin and relieve F-28 & F-29 as necessary. Glue F-28's in place.
10) Glue parts F-35 in place. Add the two F-35A pieces.
11) Plank the fuselage as indicated on the plans.
12) Add fairing blocks F-20, F-27, F-25 and F-36. Use the top wing to space F-36 properly.
13) Add F-26 and F-24 pieces. glue F-19 nose ring pieces in place.
14) Fit F-32'F-33 assembly to rear of fuse.
15) Sand fuselage to shape... "

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 21/12/2017: Added instructions, thanks to Karsten.

Update 24/12/2018: Replaced the instructions file with a complete copy (6 pages), thanks to JesseBartsch.

Supplementary file notes

Instructions.

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