A.T.C. #74 (10-28) STINSON "DETROITER", SM-1DA

The colorful "SM-1 series" of the Stinson monoplane were known the world over and had been in production for over a year by this time in the Northville, Michigan plane; this model shown here was the improved version of this famous "Detroiter" series. A 6 place high wing cabin monoplane of rather large and buxom proportions that was powered with the time-tested 9 cyl. Wright "Whirlwind" J5 engine of 220 h.p. This latest development was more or less typical to the previous models (SM-1 & SM-1B) except for many minor improvements of the landing gear, brake system, engine cowling, cabin interior, and the like. Improvements that were either found necessary or desirable, but do not plainly show just by casual observance. A "Detroiter" of this type (SM-1DA) was flown by "Eddie" Stinson in the National Air Tour for 1928 and finished in 5th place; with the newly developed "Junior Detroiter" (see ATC 48 in this volume) taking a 3rd, and another "Detroiter" a 6th place. "Stinson" was well represented in this reliability tour and did extremely well despite the determined competition encountered.

The "Detroiter" monoplanes in this latest series (SM-1D) were large and bulky looking, carrying 6 people and their baggage very comfortably; this all accounted for a gross weight of some 4500 pounds. In spite of this apparent bulk and seeming overload, the performance of this ship was admirable. New air-lines were beginning to blossom out in all parts of the country, new routes that carried both mail and passengers; it is only logical that many of these operated the Stinson "Detroiter" monoplane. The Tanner Motor type (NC-9601) that they used occasionally on charter and sight-seeing trips in that area. The type certificate number for the model SM-1DA was issued in October of 1928; they were manufactured by the Stinson Aircraft Co. at Northville, Michigan. The genial "Eddie" Stinson was Pres., Wm. C. Naylor was chief engineer, and Randolph Page was pilot in charge of test and development.

There were only a mere handful of the SM-1DA type built, possibly 5, and most of these were operated with the J5 engine only for a short time. As an example: SM-1DA type registered NC-9600, operated a short while with a "Whirlwind" J5 engine as a 4 place passenger and mail carrier with Thompson Aeronautical Corp.; it was converted to the SM-1D300 type by Stinson Aircraft with the installation of a Wright J6-9-300 engine; as the SM-1DX this same ship was powered by the new Packard Diesel engine and operated in test by T.A.C.; sometime later it was converted back to the SM-1D300 type with the installation of a J6-9-300 engine and operated in aerial photography and exploration. SM-1DA type registered NX-9617, was also converted to the SM-1D300 type and operated in this combination at least into 1931.

Listed below are specifications and performance data for the "Whirlwind" J5 powered Stinson "Detroiter" model SM-1DA; wing span 45'10", cord 84", wing area 280 sq. ft., airfoil "Stinson" (modified M-6), length overall 32', height 8'6", wheel tread 108", empty wt. 2432, useful load 2068, payload 1300, gross wt. 4500 lbs., max. speed 120, cruise 105, land 60, climb 700, ceiling 12,000 ft., gas cap. 90 gal., oil 6 gal., range 750 miles. Price at the factory field was $12,500. The fuselage framework was built up of welded chrome-moly steel tubing with steel gussets welded into every joint; fuselage was heavily faired to shape with plywood and metal formers and spruce fairing strips, then was fabric covered. The wing framework was built up of solid spruce spar beams and spruce and plywood built-up ribs, also fabric covered. There were two removable fuel tanks, one in each wing root flanking the fuselage. The fabric-covered tail-group was built up of welded chrome-molly sheet and steel tubing, the fin was ground adjustable and the horizontal stabilizer was adjustable in flight. Dual control wheels of the "Dep" type, wheel brakes, inertia-type engine starter, metal propeller, and wiring for lights, was standard equipment. The standard color scheme was a deep rich maroon for the whole airplane with accenting striping; "Berryloid" finishes were used throughout. For the next development in this "Detroiter" series, the SM-1DB, see discussion for ATC 76 in this volume.

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