1927
- Spartan C3-120
Designed and test flown in 1927, the Spartan C3-120
was the first of a series of three-place, open cockpit
biplanes produced for flight training schools, sportsmen
fliers, and fixed base operators. It was granted
approved Type Certificate Number 73 by the Department
of Commerce.
Early models were powered with a Walters 120 horsepower
engine. Changes were made later in the structure
of the airplane to accommodate the 165 h.p. Wright
"Whirlwind Five." These Spartan aircraft
were manufactured until 1930.
1928 - Spartan C3-225
Carrying three persons and 40 lbs of baggage, the
C3-225 offered greater all around performance, higher
speed and a wider cruising range than the C3-165.
It was granted A.T.C. Number 286 and mounted the
"Whirlwind Seven" with a rated horsepower
of 240 at 2,000 r.p.m.
Performance figures approved by the U.S. Department
of Commerce were High Speed, 132.7 m.p.h., Landing
Speed, 52 m.p.h., Climb, at sea level, 1160 f.p.m.,
and Service Ceiling, 15,100 feet.
1930 - Spartan C2-60
Quite the airplane for the flying sportsman was
this 60 horsepower, two place, open cockpit, low-wing
monoplane. It was one of the nation's early light
planes.
1930 - Spartan C2-165
Using the Wright Whirlwind Five 165 h.p. engine,
the C2-165 saw considerable service in civilian
flying schools as a "blind flying" trainer.
Military authorities said low-wing monoplanes were
not suitable for pilot training.
1931 - Spartan C4-300
This model was conceived, designed, and built with
the idea of producing an airplane embodying five
primary qualities; namely, luxury in appointments,
highest possible performance, low upkeep and operation
costs, controllability, and safety.
The C4 cabin monoplane was manufactured to accommodate
engines of 225 h.p. and higher. Ahead of its time
in many respects, it was conclusive testimony to
the success of Spartan designers and craftsmen.
1935 - Spartan Executive
Powered with Pratt & Whitney 450 h.p. Wasp,
Jr., the model 7W "Executive" is a four
or five place, closed, low-wing, all-metal monoplane
designed in 1934 and first produced in 1935. It
has proved exceptionally popular with business concerns
and individuals who want air transportation of the
high performance class.
The cabin interior was designed for comfort. Both
front seats slide back eighteen inches, giving full
door opening to both pilots and passengers. Arm
rests, ash trays, dome lights, interior and exterior
openings to the 100 lb., capacity luggage compartment,
deep cushions, cabin heaters and ventilators, sound
proofing, and exceptionally large windows for excellent
visibility are just a few of the features contained
in the Spartan "Executive."
"The Spartan Executive was a true aviation
legend. From an unlikely beginning in a small Midwestern
factory during the depths of the Great Depression,
it was destined to become one of the most highly
regarded planes of that era. Built to the luxurious
tastes of the rich oil "Executives", it
rivaled in comfort the most opulent limousines of
the day. In performance, it was second to none,
cruising at a remarkable 200 miles an hour and with
a range of over one thousand miles."
Taken From The Spartan Story
Even though the Spartan Executive was an aircraft
which was created during the years before WWII,
its design was replicated repeatedly in postwar
aircraft.
Performance: Cruising, sea level, 190 m.p.h.; Landing
Speed. with flaps, 57 m.p.h.; Maximum Rate of Climb,
1530 f.p.m.; Cruising Range, 950 miles; Service
Ceiling, 22,000 feet; Gross Weight, loaded, 4400
lbs.
1937 - The Spartan Zeus
The Spartan Model 8W "Zeus" was a two
place, all-metal, low-wing, military airplane of
advanced design when it was produced in 1937. It
carried a Pratt & Whitney Wasp engine rated
at 600 h.p. for take-off, and had a range of 760
miles. All-metal construction insured its ability
to withstand severe weather conditions without deterioration.
The Zeus was readily adaptable for use as an advanced
trainer, fighter, light bomber, scout, or photographic
plane.
1940 - Spartan NP-1
Built in quantity for the United States Navy, the
Spartan NP-1 was a biplane primary trainer. The
Fuselage was welded chrome moly steel tubing, fabric
covered; Wings, Clark Y airfoil section, laminated
spruce spars, spruce truss type ribs, aluminum alloy
leading edge, fabric covered; Power Plant, Lycoming
R-680-B4C, 225 h.p.
Former President Bush trained in this aircraft.
