| LT-1 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Role | light transport biplane Type of aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Stearman Aircraft Company |
| Number built | 3 |
| Developed from | Stearman M-2 Speedmail |
TheStearman LT-1 (Light Transport-1) was a late 1920s Americanbiplane, carrying four passengers plus mail.
The LT-1 was a slightly enlarged version of theStearman M-2 Speedmail with four passengers in an enclosed cabin and space for 500 lb (230 kg) of mail. It was an unequal span,single bay biplane, its lower span only 70% that of the upper and with only 40% of its area. The wings were built around twinspars so, because of the narrowerchord of the lower wings, the leading members of the N-forminterplane struts which joined the wing spars leaned forward. Both upper and lower wings were set with 2° ofdihedral and both carriedailerons, which were externally interconnected. Navigation and landing lights, the latter in streamlined underwing housings, were standard.[1]
The LT-1 was powered by a 525 hp (391 kW)Pratt & Whitney Hornetradial engine, nose-mounted with its nine cylinderheads exposed for cooling. Behind the engine there was a mail compartment and behind that a windowed cabin seated four passengers, provided with airspeed meter,altimeter and map box. Its pilot had an open cockpit with windscreen and streamlined headrest built into the rounded upper fuselage decking.[1]
Its tail was conventional, with atailplane mounted on top of the fuselage and a cropped triangularfin with a rather angularbalanced rudder.[1]
Theundercarriage was also conventional, though with a tail wheel rather than a skid. Its mainwheels were on split axles and rearward drag struts, both mounted centrally on the fuselage underside, with vertical shock-absorbing legs.[1]
The date of the LT-1's first flight is not known but it was certificated in 1929. The prototype was destroyed not long after its first flight by a wind storm. At least one was used by Interstate Airlines until 1934, after which it operated inChina.[2]
Data from Aero Digest (September 1929)[1]
General characteristics
Performance
Related development
