Stearman C2

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title: "Stearman C2" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["stearman-aircraft", "biplanes", "single-engined-tractor-aircraft", "aircraft-first-flown-in-1927"] description: "1920's American Aircraft" topic_path: "arts/film" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stearman_C2" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary 1920's American Aircraft ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox aircraft"]

Field	Value
name	C2
image	Alaskan Airways Stearman.jpg
caption	Stearman C2B on display in Anchorage, Alaska.
aircraft_type	3-seat commercial biplane
national_origin	United States
manufacturer	Stearman Aircraft Corp.
status	Retired
number_built	33
introduction	1927
first_flight	March 1927
developed_from	Stearman C1
developed_into	Stearman C3
::

| name = C2 | logo = | logo_size = | image = Alaskan Airways Stearman.jpg | alt = | caption = Stearman C2B on display in Anchorage, Alaska. | long_caption = | other_names = | aircraft_type = 3-seat commercial biplane | aim = | outcome = | related = | national_origin = United States | manufacturer = Stearman Aircraft Corp. | design_group = | designer = | builder = | issuer = | status = Retired | owners = | primary_user = | more_users = | service = | major_applications = | proposals = | prototypes = | number_built = 33 | construction_number = | civil_registration = | military_serial = | radio_code = | requirement = | aircraft_carried = | flights = | total_hours = | total_distance = | construction_date = | introduction = 1927 | retired = | first_flight = March 1927 | initiated = | in_service = | last_flight = | expected = | developed_from = Stearman C1 | variants = | developed_into = Stearman C3 | preservation = | fate = | predecessors = | successors = | concluded =

The Stearman C2 is an American single-engine three-seat open-cockpit utility biplane, and was the second aircraft type produced by the Stearman Aircraft company. The aircraft first flew in 1927.

Design and development

The airframe of the C2 was almost identical to the model C1. Aside from the engine installation, differences included an aileron push-pull rods that actuated the single pair of ailerons on the upper wings via torque tubes and bell cranks internal to the upper wings rather than using ones connected to the lower wings. Later C-series Stearmans retained this simpler system.

Various types of engines were installed, including both air cooled radials and water-cooled V-8s. Unlike the C1 that had the radiator mounted in the nose, C2s with radiators had them under the fuselage between the undercarriage legs.

When the type certification process resulted in the similar C3 becoming the first certified Stearman aircraft, some C2 aircraft were modified to C3B standard.

The most numerous version was the C2B which had a Wright J-5 radial engine.

The C2M ("M" for mail) was designed to meet the requirements of Varney Airlines, and Western Air Express, included having the front cockpit covered over and turned into a mail hold.

Production

In total, 33 C2s were manufactured with the first three built in the original Stearman plant in Venice, California.

Variants

;C2/C2A :90 hp liquid-cooled Curtiss OX-5 water-cooled V-8 engine. Five built, one later converted to C2B standard. Individual airframes were used to test various engines, including the C2C's Wright-built Hispano-Suiza 8 (NC3440), the C2B's Wright Whirlwind (NC3922) and a Salmson radial engine. ;C2B :200 hp Wright J-5 Whirlwind air-cooled radial. At least 20 built, plus one C2A converted to a C2B. At least 9 C2Bs were upgraded to C3B or C3MB standard to be certified, a requirement for continued use with commercial operations. ;C2C :180 hp Wright-built Hispano-Suiza 8 water-cooled V-8. None built, but one C2 was test fitted with engine before being converted to C3C standard. ;C2H (1929 ATC 137) :280 hp Menasco-Salmson air-cooled radial. One custom aircraft built, registered as NC5600, with experimental "speed wings". Later converted to C3B. ;C2K (1929 ATC 2-53) :125 hp Siemens-Halske SH-12 radial engine. 2 built, both later converted to C3 standard. ;C2MB :Mailplane with front cockpit as mail hold with a 220 hp Wright J-5 radial. No aircraft were registered as C2MBs and no ATC number was issued which would have been mandatory for commercial mail operations.

Operators

The majority were operated by sportsmen, and the type was marketed specifically to hunters. Commercial operators included:

• American Airways
• National Parks Airways
• Pacific Alaska Airways
• Quick Aviation Company (crop dusting)
• Western Air Express

Aircraft on display

• Stearman C2B NC5415 serial 121, in Alaskan Airways markings at the Alaska Aviation Museum, Anchorage, Alaska.

Specifications (Stearman C2B)

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/Stearman_C2_3-view_Aero_Digest_May_1928.png" caption="Stearman C2B 3-view drawing from Aero Digest May 1928"] ::

|ref= |prime units?=imp |crew= One |capacity= 2 passengers and baggage |length ft=23|length in=2 |upper span ft=35 |upper span in=0 |upper span note=

• Upper wing chord: 5 ft

• Upper wing dihedral: 0.0°

• Wing incidence (upper and lower): 2.0° |lower span ft=28 |lower span in=0 |lower span note=

• Lower wing chord: 4 ft

• Lower wing dihedral: 2.0° |height ft=9|height in=2.5 |wing area sqft=297 |airfoil=Stearman section |empty weight lb=1438 |gross weight lb=2450 |gross weight note=

• Maximum load: 500 lbs |fuel capacity=68 gal |more general=

• Undercarriage track: 7 ft

|eng1 number=1 |eng1 name=Wright J-5 Whirlwind |eng1 type=air-cooled radial engine |eng1 hp=200 |prop blade number=2|prop name= metal Hamilton or Curtiss-Reid fixed-pitch propeller |prop dia ft=|prop dia in=

|max speed mph=130 |max speed note= at full load |cruise speed mph=110 |minimum control speed mph=41 |stall speed mph=35 |range miles=620 |ceiling ft=18000 |climb rate ftmin=1000 |climb rate note= at sea level |wing loading lb/sqft=8.25 |more performance=

• Fuel consumption: 11.5 gal/hr

References

References

1. (2006). "Stearman Aircraft: A Detailed History". specialtypress.
2. Eckland, K. O.. (14 July 2008). "Stearman". Aerofiles.com.
3. "1928 STEARMAN C2B".
4. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage".

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