NAS Grosse Ile Aircraft

NAS GROSSE ILE

Beech 17 / UC-43 "Traveler" GB-2 "Staggerwing"

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***SPECIFICATIONS***
Crew	1
Span	32 ft.
Length	26 ft. 1 1/2 in.
Height	8 ft.
Wing area	27.5 sq. m
Weight	4,250 lbs. maximum
Engine	Pratt & Whitney R-985
Horsepower	450
Cost	$19,000
Maximum speed	212 mph
Cruising speed	202 mph
Landing speed	81 kmh
Range	785 miles
Service Ceiling	20,000 ft.
Payload	3-4 passengers

Modifications:
* YC-43 - experimental series of military version.
* UC-43 - standard military light transport, 207 built.
* GB-1 and GB-2 - UC-43 for USMC, 360 built

Service: With individuals, US Army, US Navy, USMC, RAF

One of the most distinctive WW II aircraft was the UC-43 "Traveler," a light transport biplane with negative or backward staggered wings. Three examples of the popular Beech commercial Model 17 "Staggerwing" aircraft, delivered in June 1939 for army evaluation, were designated YC43s. These were assigned to the U.S. air attaches at the American Embassies in London, Paris, and Rome in 1939 and were operated by U.S. Army Air Corps personnel.

Early in WW II, the need for a compact executive-type transport or courier aircraft became apparent and in 1942 the Army ordered the first of 270 Model 17s for service in this country and overseas as UC-43s. These differed only in minor details from the commercial model. To meet urgent wartime needs, the government also purchased or leased additional "Staggerwings" from private owners including 118 more for the USAAF plus others for the (GB-1 and GB-2) Navy.

The aircraft in the top picture, donated by Major Richard River, USAF (Ret.) of Chillicothe, Ohio. It was procured by the Army during WW II but was assigned to the Navy as a GB-2. It is painted and marked as a UC-43 assigned to the 8th AF in England in 1943 as a liaison aircraft.

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