Even though the US Army Air Corps needed a new biplane trainer in the mid-1930's, it moved slowly to acquire one because of the service-wide lack of funding for new airplane purchases. In 1936, following the Navy's lead the previous year, the Army tentatively bought 26 airframes from Boeing (the Model 75), which the Army named the PT-13. With war on the horizon, this trickle of acquisition soon turned into a torrent; 3,519 aircraft were delivered in 1940 alone.

Built as a private venture by the Stearman Aircraft Company of Wichita (bought by Boeing in 1934), this two-seat biplane was of mixed construction. The wings were of wood with fabric covering while the fuselage had a tough, welded steel framework, also fabric covered. Either a Lycoming R-680 (PT-13) or Continental R-670 (PT-17) engine powered most models, at a top speed of 124 mph with a 505-mile range. An engine shortage in 1940-41 led to the installation of 225-hp Jacobs R-755 engines on some 150 airframes, and the new designation PT-18.

The US Navy's early aircraft, designated NS-1, eventually evolved into the N2S series, and the Royal Canadian Air Force called their Lend-Lease aircraft PT-27s. The Canadians were also responsible for the moniker "Kaydet," a name eventually adopted by air forces around the globe.

The plane was easy to fly, and relatively forgiving of new pilots. It gained a reputation as a rugged airplane and a good teacher. Officially named the Boeing Model 75, the plane was (and still is) persistently known as the "Stearman" by many who flew them. It was called the "PT" by the Army, "N2S" by the Navy and "Kaydet" by Canadian forces. By whatever name, more than 10,000 were built by the end of 1945 and at least 1,000 are still flying today worldwide. History by Jeff VanDerford

Nicknames: Yellow Peril. Some Stearman owners claim this name resulted specifically from the Stearman's challenging ground-handling characteristics, but most WWII veterans contend that the nickname was more of a generic reference to the dangerous nature of primary flight training, an endeavor in which the Stearman obviously played a major role. Other aircraft such as the N3N also carried the Yellow Peril nickname.

Specifications (PT-17):

Engine: One 220-horsepower Continental R-670-5 piston radial engine (PT-17)

Weight: Empty 1,936 lbs., Max Takeoff 2,717 lbs.

Wing Span: 32ft. 2in.

Length: 24ft. 3in.

Height: 9ft. 2in.

Performance: Maximum Speed: 124 mph Ceiling: 11,200 ft. Range: 505 miles

Armament: None

Number Built: 10,000+

Number Still Airworthy: 1000+

Source: www.warbirdalley.com