RQ-1

The Stinson RQ‑1 was a light utility aircraft produced by the Stinson Aircraft Company during the early 1930s. Developed as a response to the growing demand for reliable, low‑cost trainers and personal transport, the RQ‑1 first flew in 1932 and entered limited production the following year. Its high‑wing braced monoplane design gave pilots excellent visibility and stable handling, while the fabric‑covered wooden frame kept the empty weight under 1,200 pounds. Powered by a 90‑horsepower Warner Scarab radial engine, the RQ‑1 could reach a top speed of 115 mph and climb to 10,000 feet in just over ten minutes, making it suitable for both flight‑training schools and remote bush operations. The cockpit featured side‑by‑side seating, simple instrumentation, and a detachable canopy that could be removed for open‑air flying. Although only a few dozen units were built before Stinson shifted focus to larger models, the RQ‑1 earned a reputation for robustness and ease of maintenance, influencing later ST‑type aircraft. Its legacy endures as a symbol of early American general aviation, illustrating how modest design choices can yield a versatile and dependable airplane. Today, a handful of restored RQ‑1s are displayed in museums, reminding enthusiasts of the era's pioneering spirit.