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EFL6125 Beechcraft Staggerwing 480 ARF

Packed with a wealth of scale details and features E-flite's version of the Beechcraft Staggerwing incorporates the latest design features and scale details that make this seldom modeled aircraft a pleasure to own and fly.

To add to the realism and looks of this unique bi-plane it comes with features such as an Z-foam lightweight moulded airframe that offers durability and easy repairs, an accurate scale outline with the distinctive lower wing fuselage fillet replicated perfectly, a pre-painted tri-colour US Navy colour scheme and a moulded dummy radial engine in the cowl.

The model boasts a retract-ready wing for use with the optional aluminium pneumatic retracts available separately (EFLGP0150) click here for more information on these. Additionally pilots can utilise the pre-hinged flaps to make take off and landings more scale like.

As with all E-flite airplanes, the Beechcraft Staggerwing 480 ARF is optimised for performance/duration and this particular model is specifically designed for E-flite's Park 480 motor. With its large easy access battery compartment changing flight batteries at the flying field is quick and easy without the need to remove the wings.

A classic bi-plane that combines unique looks and excellent flight performance makes the Beechcraft the perfect choice for the scale model flyer looking for an easy flying electric powered scale model that really stands out from the rest.

The Beechcraft Model 17 "Staggerwing"

At the height of the Great Depression during the 1930's aircraft executive Walter H. Beech and airplane designer T. A. "Ted" Wells joined forces to collaborate on a project many considered foolhardy; a large powerful and fast biplane built specifically for the business executive. The end result of this project was the Beechcraft Model 17.

The Beechcraft Model 17 was more popularly known as the "Staggerwing" due to its unusual wing layout where the upper wing was set staggered behind the lower wing.

It was first flown on November 4, 1932, setting the standard for private passenger airplanes for many years to come. The Staggerwing's retractable landing gear was a relatively uncommon feature on any aircraft at that time, and combined with the aerodynamic streamlining, light weight and its use of powerful radial engines promoted significantly better performance than other biplane designs. Indeed the Staggerwing's speed made it very popular with 1930s air racers.

Each Staggerwing was hand built and the luxurious cabin trimmed in leather and mohair could hold up to five passengers, however there was a price tag between $14,000 and $17,000 depending on the size of the engine used. Sales were very slow to start with and only 18 Model 17s were sold during 1933; but each year sales steadily increased.

Eventually the Staggerwing captured a substantial share of the executive passenger aircraft market, and by the start of World War Two more than 424 Model 17s had been sold. During WW2 the United States Army Air Force ordered the first of 270 Model 17s for service within the USA, whilst the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy acquired 106 model 17s know by them as the "Traveller Mk. I" through the lend-lease arrangement to fill their own critical need for light personnel transport aircraft.