Stinson
105, a Golden Age Classic
| Stinson's first light
plane, the model 105, is also known by the designation HW-75 and
HW-80, received its Approved Type Certificate number (ATC#) 709
on May 20, 1939. A Continental A-75-3 engine powered the 1939
model 105 (HW-75) while the 1940 model 105 (HW-80) was powered
by the Continental A-80-6 engine.(some versions were powered
with a 90 h.p. Franklin) Gross weight is 1580 pounds. While
listed as a 3 seater the useful load of only 655 pounds makes
carrying three people most difficult. |
| A cruise speed of 105
mph was the reason for the model number. One major innovation of
the model 105 is the use of wing slots for better slow speed
control. Wing slots would be a design feature of all future
Stinson aircraft. About 535 model 105's were built, with several
purchased by celebrities including Jimmy Stewart and Edgar
Bergen. Stinson aircraft, named after Eddie Stinson, at the time
of the 105 design, 1939, was part of Aviation Manufacturing
Corporation. Headquarters and plant were at Wayne, Michigan.
Vultee Aircraft Corporation purchased the Stinson Division in
1940 and moved headquarters to Downey, California. At the same
time manufacturing was moved to Nashville, Tenn. The first
production batch of the 1940 model 105's was built in Nashville,
Tenn. Military orders overtaxed that facility and production of
the 105 returned to Wayne, Michigan. |
| The Stinson 105 was a
popular three place light airplane and was considered as one of
the "big four"in the light plane field.It was
available as a land plane or sea plane, with two side-by-side
seats forward and one facing sideways behind them. |
Specifications
Wing
span 34'
Length 22'
Height 6' 6"
Weight empty 948
lbs.
Useful load 650 lbs.
Fuel capacity 20 gals.
Oil 1
gallon.
Performance
Powered with a 90 h.p.
Franklin engine, the 105 has a maximum speed of 115
m.p.h.,cruises at 105 mph, Its normal range is 380 miles. Rate
of climb 507 ft./min. Service ceiling 13,000 ft.
Manufactured
by Stinson Aircraft Division Manufacturing Corporation,
Wayne,Michigan. |
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