Rajan Wilcox
The Boeing-Stearman Model 75, widely known as the Stearman, is an American biplane formerly used as a military trainer aircraft. It served as a primary trainer for the United States Army Air Forces, the United States Navy, and the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. After the war, thousands of surplus aircraft were sold on the civilian market and became popular as crop dusters and sports planes. The fuel consumption of a Stearman varies depending on the model and power settings. For example, a 450-hp Stearman burns approximately 23 gallons per hour, while a 220-hp Stearman burns around 12-13 gallons per hour. The fuel tanks on a Stearman are typically located in the upper wings, and the fuel gauge is usually a transparent plastic tube dangling from the underside of the wing tank.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 gallons |
| Fuel Consumption | 12-13 gallons/hour or 20.5 gallons/hour |
| Endurance | 3.4 hours |
| Engine | Lycoming R-680 (225 hp); Continental R-670 (220 hp) or Jacobs R-755 (225 hp) |
| Horsepower | 220 hp or 450 hp |
| Wingspan | Shorter than a Cub by a few feet |
| Takeoff and Landing Distance | 300-900 ft |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | Increased with a larger Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior engine |
| Climb Performance | Increased with a larger Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior engine |
| Propellers | Sensenich wooden prop, McCauley steel blade prop or Hamilton Standard propeller |
| Manufacturer | Stearman Aircraft Co. (became a subsidiary of Boeing in 1934) |
| Year of Manufacture | 1934-1945 |
| Number Built | 8428-10,626 |
| Use | Military trainer aircraft, crop duster, sports plane, aerobatic and wing walking in air shows |
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What You'll Learn
Stearman 450 hp fuel consumption: 23 gallons per hour
The Stearman is an American biplane formerly used as a military trainer aircraft, with thousands of surplus aircraft sold on the civilian market after World War II. The biplane is also used for crop dusting and sports, as well as aerobatic and wing walking in air shows.
The fuel consumption of a Stearman depends on the power settings used and the variant of the aircraft. For example, a 450 hp Stearman burns 23 gallons of fuel per hour when using power settings at about 55%. This is significantly higher than the fuel consumption of a Continental, which burns 12-13 gallons per hour.
The fuel tanks of a Stearman are located in the upper wings, with a fuel gauge consisting of a heavy transparent plastic tube dangling from the underside of the wing tank. The fuel bobs up and down in the gauge, visible to the student pilot in the forward cockpit.
A 46-gallon tank in a 450 hp Stearman provides about an hour and a half of range, with a fuel consumption of 20.5 gallons per hour. This is in contrast to the fuel consumption of a 220 hp Stearman, which burns 12-13 gallons per hour but requires a 1000' grass runway for ground roll and climbing.
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Stearman 220 hp fuel consumption: 12-13 gallons per hour
The Boeing-Stearman Model 75, widely known as the Stearman, is an American biplane formerly used as a military trainer aircraft. It served as a primary trainer for the United States Army Air Forces, the United States Navy, and the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. After the war, thousands of surplus aircraft were sold on the civilian market and became popular as crop dusters and sports planes.
The fuel consumption of the Stearman varies depending on its configuration and engine power. The 220 hp (W670) Stearman has a fuel consumption of 12-13 gallons per hour. This model is considered underpowered for the weight of the airplane, requiring a 1000' grass runway for the ground roll, and providing limited climbing capability of 200 fpm.
On the other hand, the 450 hp Stearman has a higher fuel consumption of 23 gallons per hour. This model offers improved performance, with better takeoff and climbing capabilities.
It's worth noting that the fuel tanks on the Stearman are located in the upper wings, and the fuel gauge is a transparent plastic tube dangling from the underside of the wing tank. Keeping the fuel contained within the tanks and lines is crucial for the safety and integrity of the aircraft.
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Stearman 450 hp vs 220 hp performance
The Stearman is an American biplane formerly used as a military trainer aircraft, with thousands of surplus aircraft sold on the civilian market after World War II. The Stearman Model 75 is widely known as the Stearman, Boeing Stearman, or Kaydet.
The 220 HP (W670) Stearman is considered underpowered for the weight of the airplane. While it is fun to fly, in the summertime, a 1000 ft grass runway is required just for the ground roll, and the climb rate is only 200 feet per minute. This leaves little room for error.
On the other hand, the 450 HP Stearman offers improved takeoff and climb performance. However, it burns significantly more fuel, approximately 23 gallons per hour, compared to 12-13 gallons per hour for the 220 HP version. The higher fuel consumption of the 450 HP Stearman can be a drawback, especially with a limited fuel capacity of 40-46 gallons, impacting the range of cross-country flights.
Some pilots have reported that the 450 HP Stearman provides a smoother and more powerful flying experience, with a good climb rate. It is worth noting that the increased power can make the aircraft nose-heavy, and proper weight distribution is crucial.
When choosing between the 220 HP and 450 HP Stearman, factors such as intended use, performance requirements, fuel efficiency, and personal preferences come into play. While the 450 HP version offers superior takeoff and climb performance, it demands a higher fuel consumption, which can limit its range. Ultimately, the decision should be based on individual needs and the specific characteristics of each aircraft variant.
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Stearman 46-gallon fuel tank
The Stearman is an American biplane formerly used as a military trainer aircraft. At least 10,626 were built in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s. After World War II, thousands of surplus aircraft were sold on the civilian market, and they became popular as crop dusters and sports planes.
The Boeing PT-17 Stearman, for example, has a fuel capacity of 46 US gallons (38 imperial gallons or 170 litres). With a 450-hp engine, this Stearman burns 20.5 gallons per hour, giving it a range of about an hour and a half. With a 220-hp engine, the Stearman burns 12-13 gallons per hour.
The fuel consumption of a Stearman can vary depending on various factors, including the power settings used and the type of carburettor. For example, a Stearman with a 450-hp engine and a normal cruise setting with an economy carburettor burns 18 gallons per hour.
The fuel capacity of a Stearman can also vary depending on the model and modifications made to the aircraft. For instance, the Boeing-Stearman Model 75 was evaluated by the Army Air Corps in 1934 with a 225-hp engine, and later ordered with a 225-hp Lycoming engine.
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Stearman Continental model fuel consumption
The Stearman (Boeing) Model 75 is an American biplane formerly used as a military trainer aircraft. It was manufactured by the Stearman Aircraft Co. in Wichita, Kansas, from 1934 through 1945. It is also known as the Boeing Stearman or Kaydet.
The Continental R-670 engine was used in the Stearman Model 75, producing 220 hp (160 kW). The fuel consumption of this engine is approximately 12-13 gallons per hour, with a fuel capacity of 46 gallons. This gives the aircraft an endurance of around 3.4 hours, although most pilots plan for a 2.5-hour flight.
The Stearman has a maximum speed of 124 mph and a cruise speed of 96 mph. It has a service ceiling of 13,200 feet and can reach an altitude of 10,000 feet in 17 minutes and 18 seconds.
While the Continental engine was commonly used, other engine options were available, including the Lycoming R-680 (225 hp) and the Jacobs R-755 (225 hp). The choice of engine depended on the specific Stearman aircraft.
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Frequently asked questions
A 450-hp Stearman burns 23 gallons of fuel per hour.
A Stearman's fuel tank capacity is 46 gallons.
With a 46-gallon tank, a Stearman can fly for just over an hour and a half, or about 3.4 hours endurance.
A Stearman uses leaded aviation gas.
The fuel tanks on a Stearman are located in the upper wings.
