The Stearman PT-17 Bi-plane was a very rugged aircraft used by the United States Army Air Force and Navy prior to and during World War Two as a primary trainer.

Fitted with a powerful seven cylinder R670 Continental radial engine and tandem seat open cockpits the PT-17 provided a relatively stable platform on which novice pilots could master the basic flying skills before moving on to fly more advanced aircraft and the mono-plane fighters of the day.

With some 10,000 aircraft produced between 1938 and 1948 it is hardly surprising that at wars end many of these aircraft found their way into civilian hands and were used as either crop-dusters or as display aircraft in the numerous "barnstorming" flying shows that were becoming very popular. Even today with over 1000 airworthy examples still flying they continue to wow the crowds with the distinctive sound made by their propeller tips going supersonic at maximum engine revs and their "daring do" aerobatics at air shows around the world, their "wing walking" routines being a particular favourite.

Thanks to E-flite the modeller can relive those early days with this super almost-ready-to-fly scale model of the PT-17. The model features a very scale outline and a highly visible and accurate WW2 US Army colour scheme with a deep blue fuselage, yellow wings, red and white striped rudder and pre-applied decals and graphics. For even more scale appeal a realistic looking dummy nine-cylinder radial engine is included.
Having a compact size and wingspan of 1117mm (44 inch) the PT-17 can be flown from relatively small flying fields and thanks to its bi-plane layout and light wing loading the model has a realistically scale flight performance along with the ability to perform all of the aerobatic manoeuvres of its full-size counterpart.

Designed from the start to offer ease of assembly and transport the model features plug in wing panels and a unique "transport truss" that allows the model to be transported safely and easily to the flying field. Once there it also acts as an assembly jig allowing for quick assembly, whilst the large removable battery hatch provides quick access to the flight batteries between flights without the need to remove the wings.

Other pre-fabricated scale features include pre-painted cabane and interplane struts,
aluminium landing gear covered with painted fiberglass fairings with scale looking wheels and tyres, pre-painted fibreglass cowl and twin open cockpits with the correct three panel glazed windscreens that are ready to accommodate the optional military pilot figures (EFLA150)

Even though the PT-17 is a bi-plane, thanks to the extensive amount of pre-fabrication, comprehensive hardware pack and E-flite's easy to follow assembly guide this delightful scale model can be flight ready in just a few evenings. So if you have ever wanted to fly a bi-plane but been put-off by the thought of all the building and rigging normally associated with bi-planes, try this great looking PT-17 from E-flite, you won't be disappointed.

Twice the wings with half the hassle!

Technical Specification

• Wingspan              1117mm (44inch)
• Length                    889mm (35inch)
• Wing Area              37.5 sq dm (608 sq inch)
• Weight with battery  1.5 0 1.7 kg (3.5 - 3.8lb)
• Radio System          4 channels with 4 mini servos

Features

Plug in wings for easy field assemble and easy transport

Build up

Recommended Setup

• Motor       15 BL outrunner, 950Kv
• Prop         12x6E
• ESC          40 amp Pro SB Brusheless ESC
• Battery     3S 11.1 volt 3200mAh Li-Po
• servos      4 mini servos