Stearman Model 73 Navy Trainer moving to WSU campus for concert
The plane will arrive on campus at 11 a.m. and will be loaded into the concert hall through the Duerksen Amphitheater on the north side of the building. The concert will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Admission is free.
The Navy Band Great Lakes Brass Ambassadors, based in Great lakes, Ill., is a brass quintet established in 1982. The ensemble has performed throughout the Midwestern United States for military functions, public concerts, recitals, and school clinics. Led by Musician First Class Garrett Stephan, this ensemble performs musical styles such as classical compositions, Dixieland and march arrangements.
About the NS-1 Stearman Model 73 Navy Trainer
Stearman had six separate contracts to build trainers for the Navy leading up to and during WWII. The Model 73 saved Stearman from bankruptcy during the depression and has been credited for keeping Boeing Wichita in operation until World War II demand guaranteed its important place in aircraft manufacturing. The NS-1 (Navy designation) indicates that the KAM plane was part of the first contract, during which 61 planes were constructed. The KAM plane is unique in that it is the only known example from the NS-1 contract with the Navy. Restoration of this trainer took volunteers three years of painstaking effort.
Stats
Type: Trainer
Powerplant: 220-horsepower Continental R-670-5 piston radial engine (PT-17)
Max speed: 124 m.p.h.
Ceiling: 11,200 ft.
Range: 505 mi.
Weight: Gross 2,699 lbs.
Weapons: None
Dimensions: Span 32 ft. 2 in. / Length 24 ft. 3 in. / Height 8 ft. 11 in.