The Stearman C3 was an American built biplane aircraft of the 1920s.
The C3 was a rugged biplane with simple straight wings, a tough undercarriage with oleo shock absorbers and two open cockpits with the pilot in the rear and two side-by-side passenger seats in the front.
In fact, it was a slightly modified version of the earlier model C2 aircraft.
Changes included an increased volume oil tank and larger sized baggage compartment.
Introduced in 1928, the C3 was powered by a variety of engines of between 128 hp and 225 hp, each version having its own designation.
The last version of the C3 was the C3R which had several external differences including a cut out in the aft portion of the wing centre section for improved pilot visibility, a headrest in the aft cockpit, and slightly increased chord of the rudder and vertical stabilizer.
The Peruvian air force used the C3 in various roles, the most common use was as a trainer.
Although there were several versions of the C3, most were either the C3B and the C3R.
A few C3s were approved for float operations.
Variants
C1
First of the C series powered by a Curtiss OX-5, later re-engined with a 240 hp (179 kW) Menasco-Salmson radial as the C1X.
C2
Four aircraft similar to the C1, with the radiator mounted underneath, hydraulic shock absorbers and dual controls.
Variously powered by 90 hp (67 kW) Curtiss OX-5, Wright-Hisso A, Wright Whirlwind and Menasco-Salmson radial engine.
C3B Sport Commercial
220 hp (164 kW) Wright J5 radial engine.
C3C
150 hp (112 kW) Wright Martin/Hispano Suiza E engine.
C3D
180 hp (134 kW) Wright Martin/Hispano Suiza E engine.
C3E
190 hp (142 kW) Wright Martin/Hispano Suiza E2 engine
C3F
190 hp (142 kW) Wright Martin/Hispano Suiza E3 engine.
C3G
190 hp (142 kW) Wright Martin/Hispano Suiza E4 engine.
C3H
260 hp (194 kW) Menasco-Salmson air-cooled engine.
C3I
160 hp (119 kW) Curtiss C6 engine.
C3K
128 hp (95 kW) Siemens-Halske Sh 12.
C3L
130 hp (97 kW) Comet 7D radial engine.
1 built, later converted to C3B.
C3MB
C3B with forward cockpit enclosed for mail carrying.
C3P
220 hp (164 kW) Wright J5 Whirlwind radial engine.
