VAN A. SWINDELLE COLLECTION
No. 8041. Stearman X-120 XAT-15 Crewmaker (41-23162 c/n X120000) US Army Air Forces
Aeroplane Photo Supply (APS) Photo No. 398 via Michael Brannin & Craig Simpson

Stearman X-120 XAT-15 Crewmaker

08/15/2008. Remarks by Johan Visschedijk: "Designed by Stearman for a 1942 bomber-trainer competition the XAT-15 was intended to give integrated training to all light bomber crew members, including the pilot, co-pilot, bombardier, and gunner.

Of composite construction due to the prevailing aluminum shortage, it had a welded steel tubing fuselage that was fabric covered, while the wing, tail plane, and fin were of wood with plywood covering.

Stearman X-120 XAT-15 Crewmaker
(41-23162) (John Menzies Collection)

Stearman X-120 XAT-15 Crewmaker
(41-23163) (Jack Fisher Collection)

Two aircraft were built, s/n 41-23162 and 41-23163, and orders for 1,045 were issued, however, these were cancelled when the USAAF decided against composite construction for advanced trainers."


Created August 15, 2008