Stinson Collection
Stinson Aircraft List
1931 Stinson W
Donation: Hilary Peck in memory of Ron Peck
Engine: Pratt Whitney R-985 Wasp Jr., 300 HP
Built in 1931-1932, the Stinson Model W, substantially similar to and often mistaken for the Stinson SM-7B, was not a standout in the Stinson "Junior" line except as a roomy, comfortable, high-performance cabin airplane. Three of the four seats could easily be removed to make room for cargo. While it was less well known than its siblings, it may have been the best of them. Its useful load rating left plenty of room for extras that would have reduced the utility of most airplanes. The Model W was aimed at sportsmen-pilots, well-to-do family men and business executives.
Additional Specifications:
Cruise: 122 MPH
Top Speed: 143 MPH
Empty Weight: 2379 lbs
Gross Weight: 3650 lbs
Wing Span: 42'1"
Length: 30'10"
Height: 8'11"
Service Ceiling: 18,000'
Climb in 1 Minute: 950' at sea level
Approximate Number Built: 5
(Data pulled from Joseph Juptner's U.S. Civil Aircraft series.)
1936 Stinson SR-8B Reliant
Donation: Don Culver
Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Jr., 300 HP
The Stinson SR-8 was the second Stinson model to mate a double-taper wing (first developed for the Stinson Tri-Motor) to a single engine fuselage. The shape of the wing evoked the nickname "Gull-Wing" even though it wasn't in the conventional gull wing form. The SR-8B had a fuselage wide enough to seat three abreast in the rear seat making it a five-seater. The Gull-Wing Stinson was so popular that customers were known to wait at the company's door for delivery. Nine were sold to the Bureau of Air Commerce, including the 800th airplane built by Stinson. Five SR-8B went to the U.S. Army Air Force as UC-81.
Additional Specifications:
Cruise: 138 MPH
Top Speed: 147 MPH
Empty Weight: 2347 lbs
Gross Weight: 375 lbs
Wing Span: 41'7"
Length: 27'2"
Height: 8'5"
Service Ceiling: 13,800'
Climb in 1 Minute: 800' at sea level
Approximate Number Built: 300
(Data pulled from Joseph Juptner's U.S. Civil Aircraft series.)
1942 Stinson L-5 Sentinel
Donation: Terry Brandt
Engine: Lycoming O-435, 185 HP
First flown in June 1940 with a 100 HP engine, the Sentinel was more or less a military adaptation of Stinson’s Voyager design. The L-5 was an especially tough airplane and as it evolved and horsepower increased by steps to 185 the tasks asked of it often bordered on the impossible. Nicknamed “The Flying Jeep” it gave service in nearly every WWII theater of operation and remained active with the USAF and Marine Corps into the 1950’s.
Additional Specifications:
Cruise: 110 MPH
Top Speed: 130 MPH
Empty Weight: 1550 lbs
Gross Weight: 2020 lbs
Wing Span: 34'
Length: 24'1"
Height: 7'11"
Service Ceiling: 15,800'
Climb in 1 Minute: 975' at sea level
Approximate Number Built: 4,200