Stearman C2


The Stearman C2 is an American single-engine three-seat open-cockpit utility biplane, and was the second aircraft type produced by the Stearman Aircraft company. The aircraft first flew in 1927.

Design and development

The airframe of the C2 was almost identical to the model C1. Aside from the engine installation, differences included an aileron push-pull rods that actuated the single pair of ailerons on the upper wings via torque tubes and bell cranks internal to the upper wings rather than using ones connected to the lower wings. Later C-series Stearmans retained this simpler system.
Various types of engines were installed, including both Internal [combustion engine cooling|air cooled] radials and water-cooled V-8s. Unlike the C1 that had the radiator mounted in the nose, C2s with radiators had them under the fuselage between the undercarriage legs.
When the type certification process resulted in the similar C3 becoming the first certified Stearman aircraft, some C2 aircraft were modified to C3B standard.
The most numerous version was the C2B which had a Wright J-5 radial engine.
The C2M was designed to meet the requirements of Varney Airlines, and Western Air Express, included having the front cockpit covered over and turned into a mail hold.

Production

In total, 33 C2s were manufactured with the first three built in the original Stearman plant in Venice, California.

Variants

;C2/C2A
;C2B
;C2C
;C2H
;C2K
;C2MB

Operators

The majority were operated by sportsmen, and the type was marketed specifically to hunters.
Commercial operators included:

Aircraft on display

Specifications (Stearman C2B)

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

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