With its flawless design, careful workmanship and the safety characteristics of a Stearman, the 4-D Jr Speed Mail also had beautiful proportions and flowing lines.
A high speed sport craft with good performance and a 600 lb. payload the 4-D had many practical uses.
The first 4-D was purchased by the Pratt and Whitney engine company and was used to tour the country and promote their new Junior Wasp engine.
The 4-D was also purchased by Western Air Express for the mail route and was the first Californian mail carrier. This model was later replaced by the 4-EM single seat mail cargo carrier.
Typical Chrome-Moly and fabric construction, this was the first production aircraft to take full advantage of the rather large, but streamlined NACA low drag engine cowling.
| DISPLAY STATUS | COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | CURRENT LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Own | United States | Legends Hangar |
| PURPOSE & TYPE | MATERIALS | ERA & DATE RANGE |
| Transport | Steel | Golden Age 1918 – 1939 |
| PRODUCTION & ACQUISITION |
SPECIFICATIONS | SERVICE HISTORY |
| MFG: Stearman First Produced: 1930 Number Built: 8 Armament: NoneThis Jr Speed Mail was acquired by Yanks in August 1987 and is one of only two flyable today. |
Wingspan: 38’ upper, 28’ bottom Wing Area: 307 sq ft Length: 26’11” Height: 10’2” Empty Weight: 2,297 ft Gross Weight: 3,800 ft Powerplant: P.W. Wasp Jr. Thrust: Cruise Speed: 120 mph Maximum Speed: 145 mph Range: 720 miles |
Delivered:
July 16, 1931 |