GO-1 Reliant

The Stinson GO‑1 Reliant was a light, high‑wing monoplane introduced in the early 1930s as the company’s response to the growing demand for reliable, economical transport aircraft. Developed from the earlier Stinson Junior series, the GO‑1 first flew in 1932 and entered production the following spring. Its airframe combined a welded steel tube fuselage with wooden wing ribs and fabric covering, creating a sturdy yet lightweight structure. Powered by a 225‑horsepower Wright J‑6 radial engine, the Reliant could cruise at 120 mph and carry three passengers or a modest cargo load, making it popular with regional airlines and private owners. A noteworthy feature was its fully enclosed cockpit, which offered improved comfort and visibility compared with many contemporaries that still used open cockpits. The aircraft’s simple fixed‑gear undercarriage and low operating costs contributed to its reputation for reliability, and several examples served as bush planes in Canada and the United States. Though production ended in 1935 after only 75 units, the GO‑1 Reliant helped cement Stinson’s reputation for building practical, user‑friendly aircraft and influenced the design of later high‑wing models such as the Stinson Model A.

Stinson

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