Boeing-Stearman N2S-5 Kaydet

Plane History

The basic design for the Kaydet came in 1934 in the form of the Stearman Model 6 Cloudboy trainer which evolved into the Model 70, winning a U.S. Army Primary Trainer contest. First production, however, was the Model 73 ordered by the Navy designation NS-1. Model 75, the familiar Kadet, followed, being ordered by both the Navy and Army, as the N2S and PT series respectively.

A primary flight training aircraft, the Kadet was often the first experience aspiring Army and Navy pilots had with an airplane, but it became the most widely used primary trainer of World War II. Over 10,000 Stearman Kadets were manufactured, making it the most produced biplane of all time. 

The Navy used models N2S-1 through -5 and the Army, models PT-13, -17, -18, and -27. The main difference between models were in engines with which they were supplied. The PT-27, sent to Canada, was outfitted with cockpit canopies and other instrumentation. 

Model 76D1, developed for Argentina and the Philippines was equipped with floats and carried machine guns in the rear cockpit and in the lower wing. Model A76CB and B76C3 were modified versions and sold to Brazil and were also equipped with machine guns in the rear cockpit and wing. Model 76D3 ordered by the Philippines carried machine guns and an aerial camera.

The X85 was a Navy observation scout plane that was all metal and enclosed. It had a rear machine gun and bomb racks and could be launched by catapult. It could be equipped with wheels or floats.

There were 1018 PT-13ds built and well over 8,000 Kaydets in general. It was used by the military from 1935-1946.

The Air Zoo’s Kaydet (42-17573)

The Air Zoo’s PT-13 Boeing Stearman Kadet is essentially, the first aircraft to be come part of the collection of vintage and historic aircraft that make up the Museum’s collection. It was purchased by Air Zoo co-founder Preston “Pete” Parish as a private aircraft, long before there ever was an Air Zoo. 

Here is his story: On one of Mr. Parish’s business trips to San Antonio he “discovered” a beautifully restored Stearman which the owner said was not for sale because he was restoring it for his son. As a result of seeing this airplane, Parish’s appetite for acquiring a Stearman was significantly heightened but, unfortunately, no other comparable aircraft turned up and his hopes dimmed. 

Then unexpectedly, a flier advertising the very same Stearman that Parish had seen in San Antonio crossed his desk. Parish immediately called the owner telling him he was very interested in the plane. The owner said he had a potential buyer coming to see the aircraft that afternoon and would call him if the plane was still available. Parish said he was an immediate buyer, not a potential buyer. 

The seller was astonished that Parish would purchase a plane without seeing it, but when Parish said he would wire the money, the seller said they had a deal. That marked the beginning of what would be come the Air Zoo’s acquisition program.

The Museum does not have too much more information about the aircraft before this time. It was accepted by the USAAF and delivered at Boeing Field in Wichita, Kansas, on July 27, 1944. It was assigned to 2548th Base Primary Training Group in Brady, Texas, on November 23, 1944. It was transferred to 2566th BPTG Uvalde, TX on December 1, 1945 and then to 2532nd Base Unit Training on January 31, 1946 where it stayed until February 10, 1948. 

The Kaydet was then transferred to the Civil Air Patrol, Bryan, TX on April 1, 1948. It then went to San Antonio AMC (Air Mobility Command) on February 14, 1949 and then to RFC (Refinancing Corp.) on May 5, 1949. The RFC sold the plane to M.D. Reeves of Dallas, Texas, on July 6, 1949 at Kelly Field, Texas, as part of a lot of seven aircraft.

Pete Parish bought the plane on June 23, 1969 and it became part of what was then known as the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum when he transferred the title on December 24, 1977.

Unfortunately, in the summer of 1999, the Stearman suffered a ground loop which caused serious damage to the aircraft. The aircraft was restored to displayable condition and is on exhibit at the Air Zoo’s main exhibition facility.

Plane Stats

Powerplant: One Lycoming R-680-17, 9-Cylinder, air-cooled radial engine developing 220 HP

Armament: None

Wingspan: Upper: 32 ft. 2 in. ; Lower: 31 ft. 9 in. 

Length: 24 ft. 9 in.

Height: 9 ft. 8 in.

Weight: 1,931 lbs. (E); 2,635 lbs. (L)

Speed (max.): 135 mph at sea level

Service Ceiling: 13,200 ft.

Range: About 505 miles on 3 hours fuel

Crew: 2

Paint Scheme: Navy instrument trainer

Awards: Best Military Classic, Oskosh 1979