A.T.C. #78 (10-28) STINSON "DETROITER", SM-1DD

For an airplane "type" that was so popular and so well known, it is saddening that so much data and a great many facts on the Stinson "Detroiter" are seemingly shrouded in great mystery. This is especially true of the 1928 Stinson SM-1D series, which were the last of the "Whirlwind", J5 powered "Detroiter" monoplanes in regular productions. All of the models in this SM-1D series were more of less typical, except for seating arrangement and some modifications brought about by use in different spheres of service. Of the four models in this series, and certified practically in a group, all were of the same gross weight, but they did vary to a degree in their empty weights. The model SM-1DD was the lightest one of this group and this would indicate that it was more than likely outfitted with a rather bare cabin interior for hauling cargo. This airplane was listed as a "two place", indicating further that the cabin area was minus of seats to provide cargo space; a spacious compartment that carried over 1300 pounds of payload. The SM-1DD was some 242 pounds lighter than others in this series, having an allowable useful load of 2220 pounds which was almost equal to its empty weight. The SM-1DD could have been profitably employed in "bush flying" operations, both on wheels and on skis.

"Eddie" Stinson never spent much of his time behind a desk, he spent much more of his time flying about the country, visiting Stinson dealers to keep tab on various plans and requirements, and studying and discussing possible market requirements for the times just ahead. Late in 1928,m Ed Stinson foresaw that better performance and greater utility was becoming imperative and began to plan his strategy along two lines, either to bolster the 6 place "Detroiter's" performance with more horsepower to help it retain its competitive advantage, or to concentrate more on the 4 place Junior" models which were of ideal capacity for most business requirements and delivered a very satisfying performance in the higher powered versions. These plans led to the development of such types as the SM-1F (ATC 136) the SM-6B (ATC 217), the SM-2AB (ATC 161), and the SM-2AC (ATC 194); along with these developments there were variants of the SM-2 and the experimental SM-4 and SM-5. All of this accelerated development, plus the hub-bub of moving plant operations to a new site in Wayne, Mich., which would have larger capacity and an adjoining airfield, cut into actual production at this time and this would very well account for the scarcity of the SM-1D type.

Listed below are specifications and performance data for the "Whirlwind" J5 powered Stinson "Detroiter" model SM-1DD; wing span 45'10", chord 84", wing area 280 sq. ft. airfoil "Stinson" (modified M-6), length overall 32', height 8'6", wheel tread 108", empty wt. 2280, useful load 2220, payload 1320, gross wt. 4500 lbs., max. speed 120, cruise 105, land 60, climb 700, service ceiling 12,000 ft., gas cap. 90 gal., oil 6 gal., range approx. 750 miles. Price at the factory field averaged $12,500. Construction details of the SM-1D were typical of others in the SM-1D series, see previous discussions. The fin was ground adjustable and the horizontal stabilizer was adjustable in flight; wheel brakes, inertia-type engine starter, metal propeller, and wiring for lights, was standard equipment. Later developments in the SM-1D series were the Wright J6-9-300 powered SM-1D300 which was under Grp. 2-60 approval and the Packard "Diesel" powered SM-1DX which was under Grp. 2-228 approval.

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Last modified: March 23, 2004