Aircraft overview

The Boeing Stearman Kaydet is the name most buyers use for the classic Boeing Model 75 military primary trainer, built in large numbers for the U.S. Army Air Forces and U.S. Navy. The design first flew in the mid 1930s, with major production running from 1936 to 1945. It is an open cockpit, two seat, fabric covered biplane intended for initial pilot training, not cross country utility. Its importance comes from scale and survivability: thousands trained in the type during World War II, and many remain active as historic aircraft, sport flyers and aerobatic platforms.

Performance & specifications

Typical performance depends strongly on engine fit, propeller and restoration standard. Common wartime versions used radial engines such as the Continental R 670 or Lycoming R 680, both in the roughly 220 hp class. A representative PT 17 with the Continental R 670 cruises at about 83 knots, has a range of roughly 440 nautical miles and a service ceiling around 11,200 feet. Maximum speed is commonly cited near 108 knots. The aircraft is valued more for low speed handling and training feel than speed. Useful load varies by equipment, fuel, engine conversion and paperwork, so individual weight and balance records matter more than generic figures.

Cabin & avionics

The Boeing Stearman Kaydet has tandem open cockpits, with the student typically in the rear seat and instructor in the front in military training use. Visibility, wind exposure and cockpit access are part of the ownership experience. There is no modern cabin in the touring sense, limited baggage provision and little weather protection. Avionics are aircraft specific: many retain simple VFR panels with basic flight instruments, a comm radio and transponder, while some have discreet additions such as ADS B Out, intercoms or portable GPS mounts. Integrated glass suites such as Garmin G1000 or Garmin Perspective are not typical or appropriate for this aircraft category.

Buying & value

Prospective buyers should focus on restoration quality, fabric age and condition, tube corrosion, wing and landing gear history, engine time, propeller status and completeness of logs. Military identity, data plates, historical documentation and originality can affect value, as can practical upgrades such as brakes, starter systems, smoke systems, shoulder harnesses, modern radios and higher power radial conversions. Common designations seen in the market include PT 13, PT 17, N2S and postwar civilianized Model 75 aircraft, all related to the Kaydet family but differing mainly by engine and service origin. On PlaneFox, current Boeing Stearman Kaydet listings show an average asking price around EUR 140,000, with observed asking prices from about EUR 80,000 to EUR 210,000, positioning the type as a collectible vintage trainer with active recreational use rather than a conventional transport aircraft.