The
Stearman began life as a basic flight trainer for the
U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942, one of nearly 10,000 of its
kind. More pilots have trained in the Stearman than in
any other aircraft in history. In 1973 the aircraft was
completely reconstructed. At this time the 220 horse
power seven-cylinder engine was replaced with a
nine-cylinder 450 horse power Pratt and Whitney Wasp
Junior engine. It was also fitted with a fuel and oil
system capable of sustained inverted flight, as well as
a nine-foot propeller that is nearly supersonic
throughout Gary’s air show performance.
