Stearman C3

Development

The C3 was a rugged biplane with simple straight wings, a tough undercarriage with oleo shock absorbers and two open cockpits with the pilot in the rear and two side-by-side passenger seats in the front. In fact, it was a slightly modified version of the earlier model C2 aircraft. Changes included an increased volume oil tank and larger sized baggage compartment.

Introduced in 1928, the C3 was powered by a variety of engines of between 128 hp and 225 hp, each version having its own designation. The last version of the C3 was the C3R which had several external differences including a cutout in the aft portion of the wing center section for improved pilot visibility, a headrest in the aft cockpit, and slightly increased chord of the rudder and vertical stabilizer.

Although there were several versions of the C3, most were either the C3B and the C3R. A few C3s were approved for float operations.

Operational history

The C3 was built with light commercial applications in mind, including passenger flying and business flights. The C3MB was a special mail-carrying aircraft based on the C3 with the forward cockpit enclosed as a dedicated cargo compartment. This version was operated in 1928 by National Parks Airways on airmail route CAM 26 from Salt Lake City, Utah to Pocatello, Idaho and Great Falls, Montana.

Variants

Variants produced were:

C1

First of the C series powered by a Curtiss OX-5, later re-engined with a 240 hp (179 kW) Menasco-Salmson radial as the C1X. One built.

C2

Four aircraft similar to the C1, with the radiator mounted underneath, hydraulic shock absorbers and dual controls. Variously powered by 90 hp (67 kW) Curtiss OX-5, Wright-Hisso A, Wright Whirlwind and Menasco-Salmson radial engine.

C3B Sport Commercial

220 hp (164 kW) Wright J5 radial engine.

C3C

150 hp (112 kW) Wright Martin/Hispano Suiza E engine.

C3D

180 hp (134 kW) Wright Martin/Hispano Suiza E engine. 1 delivered.

C3E

190 hp (142 kW) Wright Martin/Hispano Suiza E2 engine

C3F

190 hp (142 kW) Wright Martin/Hispano Suiza E3 engine.

C3G

190 hp (142 kW) Wright Martin/Hispano Suiza E4 engine.

C3H

260 hp (194 kW) Menasco-Salmson air-cooled engine.

C3I

160 hp (119 kW) Curtiss C6 engine.

C3K

128 hp (95 kW) Siemens-Halske Sh 12.

C3L

130 hp (97 kW) Comet 7D radial engine. 1 built, later converted to C3B.

C3MB

C3B with forward cockpit enclosed for mail carrying.

C3P

220 hp (164 kW) Wright J5 Whirlwind radial engine.

C3R Business Speedster

225 hp (168 kW) Wright J6.

Operators

 Peru

Peruvian Air Force

Aircraft on display

Museum of Flight, Seattle, Washington

Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum has a 1928 model Stearman C3B NC8830

Specifications (C3B)

Data from

General characteristics

Crew: 1

Capacity: 2 passengers

Length: 24 ft 0 in (7.32 m)

Wingspan: 35 ft 0 in (10.68 m)

Height: 9 ft 0 in (2.75 m)

Empty weight: 1,650 lb (748 kg)

Useful load: 1,025 lb (465 kg)

Max. takeoff weight: 2,650 lb (567)

Performance

Maximum speed: 126 mph (204 km/h)

Cruise speed: 108 mph (175 km/h)

Range: 620 miles (1004 km)

Rate of climb: 1000 fpm (5.08 m/s)