Staggerwing B17

The Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing, often called the Staggerwing B‑17, is a legendary American biplane that first flew in 1932 and entered production in 1933. Designed by Walter Beech and his team, the aircraft introduced a radical negative‑stagger wing arrangement, placing the upper wing behind the lower, which lowered drag and gave the cockpit excellent forward visibility. Powered by a variety of radial engines ranging from 300 to 450 horsepower, the Staggerwing featured retractable landing gear, a streamlined wooden fuselage covered in fabric, and a fully enclosed cabin that offered unprecedented comfort for business and private owners during the Great Depression era. Its top speed of over 200 mph made it the fastest civilian aircraft of its time, and the model earned a reputation for both elegance and performance. During World War II the United States Army Air Forces impressed many Staggerwings for liaison, transport, and training duties, designating them as UC‑43s. After the war, the type became a prized classic and a benchmark for high‑performance biplanes, influencing later designs and remaining a beloved icon at vintage‑aircraft shows worldwide. Today, only a few hundred examples survive, many flown by dedicated owners and displayed in museums.