Boeing PT-13 'Caydet' ('Stearman') Back to the Hangar Boeing Stearman Ryan PT-22 Fairchild PT-26 #55 Fairchild PT-26 #87 AT-6 Harvard DH Moth Minor Focke Wulf FW-44 Fleet Finch Cessna T-41 Taylorcraft L-2 Aeronca L-3 Champ Piper L-4 Cub Stinson L-5 Sentinel L-17 Navion C-47 Skytrain Beech C-45 Boeing PT-13 'Caydet' ('Stearman') Owner: David Hughston Status: Flying Specifications & Performance Wing Span 32' 2'' Max. Speed 124 mph Length 25' Cruise Speed 106 mph Gross Weight 2,717 lbs Landing Speed 52 mph Empty Weight 1,936 lbs Rate of Climb 840 ft/min Wing Area 297.4 sq.feet Service Ceiling 11,200 ft Engine Continental 220 hp Range 500 miles History Originally known as the Model 75 and generally referred to as the "Stearman" the colorful and remarkable "Caydet" series of primary trainers were the first airplane for thousands of pilots in the air services to the U.S., British, Chinese, Venezuelan, Peruvian and other governments. Designed by Stearman and built by Boeing the PT-13 thru PT-18 series differed little except in engine types fitted. Navy designations for the series are N25-1, N25-2, and N35-3. The N25-3 being fitted with tail gear and other refinements more suitable for Navy training. U.S. Army Air Corps pilot training quota jumped from 500 in 1938 to 33,000 pilots in 1941. In 1942 the U.S. Navy raised its quota 300 percent to 30,000 pilots. Brightly painted "Caydets" flew from U.S. training fields all over America becoming the best known primary trainer in U.S. service. Wars end saw Caydets gradually replaced with newer types. An aerobatic gem, surplus planes became popular with aerial applicators being a familiar sight low over farmland. Copyright © Commemorative Air Force, Inc. except as otherwise marked. All rights reserved.