Beechcraft D17S

1 aircraft

The Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing revolutionized executive aviation as the first luxury business aircraft to combine speed, comfort, and innovative design in a single package. First flown on November 4, 1932, it was a negative-stagger biplane powered by radial engines ranging from 225 to 450 horsepower, accommodating up to five passengers in hand-crafted luxury cabins. With its distinctive configuration placing the lower wing forward of the upper wing, the Staggerwing achieved cruise speeds around 200 mph and a range of 1,000 miles. Beech Aircraft Corporation produced 785 examples between 1932 and 1949.