For the year 2004, the Kansas Aviation Museum recognizes Boeing Wichita and predecessor company’s airplanes that have been produced continuously in Wichita for more than 75 years.
The Stearman Aircraft Company was formed in Wichita on September 7, 1927 after operating for one year in Venice, California. They delivered their first three airplanes in December that year. Through 1931, Stearman built more than 200 airplanes. Many went to airlines to carry the U. S. Mail while others were sold to major oil companies. The large conglomerate, United Aircraft Corporation took over Stearman in 1929. Lloyd Stearman left the company in late 1930.
Stearman delivered their first military airplanes in March 1931. These four Lloyd Stearman-designed; prototype U. S. Army YPT-9’s would evolve into the long line of more than 8,600 primary trainers produced through 1943. After the departure of Lloyd Stearman, the company was under the direction of J. Earl Shaeffer from 1932 to 1957. The company’s first production contract for military trainers was for 41 U. S. Navy NS-1’s in 1934. It is the opinion of many that the NS-1 trainer is the airplane that saved Stearman from the great depression and the reason that there is a Boeing Wichita today.
During World War II, Boeing Wichita produced 1,664 B-29’s. In the 1950’s, through the early 1960’s, 1,392 B-47’s and 467 B-52’s were produced. Modifications have been a big part of Boeing Wichita’s work package. From the B-29 and B-50 tankers and receivers through the KC-135R tanker re-engine program, more than 1,000 airplanes with major modifications have been delivered. For the last thirty years, Boeing Wichita manufacturing has consisted of major assemblies for the Boeing commercial airliners, including 75% of the 737 series airframe.
The Kansas Aviation Museum, located in Wichita, the Air Capital, has in its possession several Boeing and predecessor company airplanes. On outside display are a B-52D “Stratofortress,” a KC-135E “Stratotanker,” and a Boeing 737 airliner. On display inside the museum is the recently restored Stearman U. S. Navy NS-1. This is the only surviving example of the 61 built in 1934-1935. Waiting funding and restoration is a Stearman Model 14D “Junior Speedmail” that was delivered to the Texas Company in 1931 and was operated as “TEXACO 14” for several years. Other Stearman’s awaiting restoration includes a C-3B that is being acquired and a Model M-2 “Speedmail.”
Stearman Company’s foundation of innovation, quality and customer support is alive and well today at Boeing Wichita. All photo’s and historical information courtesy of the Kansas Aviation Museum, Wichita, Kansas.
Stearman Model C-3B (1927-1929) Stearman Aircraft Company, 610 E. 35th N., Wichita, Kansas
Stearman M-2 “Speedmail” (1927-1929) Stearman Aircraft Company, 610 E. 35th N., Wichita, Kansas
Stearman LT-1 Light “Transport” (1929) Stearman Aircraft Company, 610 E. 35th N., Wichita, Kansas
Stearman Model 4D “Junior Speedmail” (1929-1931) Stearman Aircraft Co., Division of United Aircraft and Transport Corp., 3601 S. Oliver, Wichita, Kansas
Stearman Model C-3R “Business Speedster” (1929-1931) Stearman Aircraft Co., Division of United Aircraft and Transport Corp., 3601 S. Oliver, Wichita, Kansas
Stearman Model 6/U. S. Army Air Corps YPT-9 (1931) Stearman Aircraft Co., Division of United Aircraft and Transport Corp., 3601 S. Oliver, Wichita, Kansas
Stearman Model 81 Commercial Seaplane (1933) Stearman Aircraft Co., Division of United Aircraft and Transport Corp., 3601 S. Oliver, Wichita, Kansas
Stearman Model 73/U. S. Navy NS-1 (1934-1935) Stearman Division of Boeing Airplane co., 3601 S. Oliver, Wichita, Kansas
Stearman Model A75/U. S. Army PT-13A (1937-1938) Stearman Division of Boeing Airplane Co., 3601 S. Oliver, Wichita, Kansas
Stearman Model X-100/U. S. Army XA-21 Attack Bomber (1939) Stearman Division of Boeing Airplane Co., 3601 S. Oliver, Wichita, Kansas
Boeing Model X-120/U. S. Army XAT-15 (1942) Boeing Airplane Company, Wichita Division, 3601 S. Oliver, Wichita, Kansas
Boeing B-29 “Super Fortress” (1942-1945) Boeing Airplane Company, Wichita Division, 3601 S. Oliver, Wichita, Kansas
Boeing YL-15 “Scout” (1949) Boeing Airplane Company, Wichita Division, 3601 S. Oliver, Wichita, Kansas
Two B-47E’s in formation with a B-52D over southern Kansas in 1956.