Stinson Reliant

The Stinson Reliant was a single‑engine, high‑wing monoplane produced by the Stinson Aircraft Corporation from 1933 until 1941. Developed as a versatile utility aircraft, the Reliant filled roles ranging from executive transport and air‑mail service to bush flying and military liaison work. Its design featured a sturdy all‑metal fuselage with fabric‑covered wings, a semi‑monocoque structure that offered both durability and relatively light weight. Powered by a series of radial engines—most commonly the 300 hp Lycoming R‑680—the aircraft could be equipped with floats, skis, or a fixed landing gear, allowing operation from water, snow, or conventional runways. The cabin accommodated four to five passengers in a comfortable, spacious layout, and its large windows gave excellent visibility for pilots and passengers alike. Over 1,100 Reliants were built, and the type saw service with the United States Army Air Forces as the AT‑18 and with foreign air forces during World II. Its reliability, adaptable configuration, and smooth handling made it a favorite among bush pilots in North America, contributing to the expansion of remote airfields and the growth of civil aviation in the pre‑war era.

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