The Beechcraft Model 17 first flew in November 1932 and was the first offering of the Beech Aircraft Corporation. A joint project by aircraft executive Walter H. Beech and airplane designer T. A. Wells, the Model 17 was designed as a large, powerful and fast biplane exclusively for the business executive. The biplane became affectionately known as the "Staggerwing" and set the standard for private passenger aircraft for years in the future. Every Staggerwing was hand built with a luxurious leather- and mohair-trimmed cabin that held up to five passengers. During its time, the Staggerwing captured a significant portion of the passenger aircraft market and was considered the premier executive aircraft, similar to what Gulfstream executive jets are considered today.

The Staggerwing Model 17 is one of the more aesthetically unique aircraft designs of the 1930s and ’40s era. Its biplane design incorporates an unusual wing configuration — an atypical negative stagger, where the lower wing is farther forward than the upper wing, and a unique wing shape. The unique wing design maximizes the pilot's visibility while minimizing the aircraft's tendency to stall. The fuselage is fabric-covered and faired with wood formers and stringers placed over a welded, steel tube frame, while the retractable conventional landing gear is uncommon its time. The Staggerwing’s retractable landing gear, streamlined design, lightweight and powerful radial engine substantially improved its performance over other biplane designs.

During the mid-1930s, Beech redesigned the Staggerwing and named it the Model D17. The D17 featured an extended fuselage, relocated upper wing ailerons, cantilevered tail section and a foot-operated brake synchronized with the rudder pedals. Combined, these modifications enhanced the Staggerwing's performance. Although designed for civil use, the Staggerwing's high speed made it a favorite of the 1930s air racers. It was also flown by the military for communication and liaison purposes.

Staggerwing performance varied depending on model, but for the D17S with a Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-1 Wasp Junior Radial engine rated at 450 HP, the biplane had a maximum speed of 212 mph, service ceiling of 25,000 ft and range of 670 miles.

This Arizona-based 1945 Staggerwing is a beautiful example of a restored Model D17, which was captured at the 2008 Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA) Open house.

All photos taken hand-held under ambient light using the Canon 16-35/f2.8L and 24-105/f4L IS lenses.

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Denny_D