Beechcraft S18D

A picture of the Beechcraft S18D

Designed in the late 1930s as a stable mate of the famous Beech Staggerwing, the Model 18 was intended to combine comfort and safety with the ability to operate from small airfields at low cost. The prototype first flew in January 1937. Initially the Model 18 was considered under-powered when compared to the similar Lockheed Electra Junior. The Model S18D introduced more powerful Jacobs L-6 engines which improved the performance. The S18D was capable of being flown from skis or floats as well as from conventional landing gear. During World War II, the Allies used large numbers of modified Model 18s as trainers.

Wingspan

47 ft 7 in.

Length

33 ft 11.5 in.

Height

9 ft 2.5 in.

Weight

8,750 lbs (loaded)

Maximum Speed

230 MPH

Maximum altitude

20,500 ft

Range

750 miles

Engines

Two Jacobs L-6 radials, 330 horsepower each

Crew

2 pilots, 8 passengers

Manufacturer
Beechcraft

Markings
Prairie Airways Limited, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, 1938

Designation
S18D

Registration
CF-BKN, N55681

Serial Number
177

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