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Dwane L. Wallace (Left) and Walter H. Beech led two of Wichita’s airframe manufacturers during the war. Workers at their two compan- ies produced more than 12,000 “war birds” during the global conflict. (EDWARD H. PHILLIPS COLLECTION)
of the AT-7 began in 1941 when 187 were produced. Production peaked at 361 in 1943 and was terminated in 1944 after a total of 884 airplanes had been built. Beech Aircraft began its existence in 1932 with fewer than 10 employees. By 1937 that number had grown to 220. In the spring of 1940, employment had increased to 780 and then soared to 2,354 in April 1941. During the war the number of Beechcrafters peaked at 14,110 in February 1945.10
Wichita made a major contribution to the Allied victory in World War II. By 1941 the city on the Plains of Kansas had the right factories, the right people and the right airplanes to equip America’s Arsenal of Democracy. KA
NOTES:
1. Phillips, Edward H.: “Stearman Aircraft – A Detailed History;” Specialty Press, North Branch, Minnesota; 2006.
2. Ibid
3. Wichita “Eagle,” June 27, 1940, Page 5.
4. Ibid
5. Ibid
6. The latest contract for the Stearman Division added to an order backlog worth $11 million. It is also important to note that during the autumn of 1940, the Culver Aircraft Company in Columbus, Ohio, was in the process of relocating its manufacturing operations to the old Bridgeport plant used by the Stearman Aircraft Company during 1927-1930. Culver held orders for airplanes worth more than $1 Million.
7. Phillips, Edward H.: “Stearman Aircraft – A Detailed History;” Specialty Press, North Branch, Minnesota; 2006.
8. Ibid
9. Phillips, Edward H.: “Cessna – A Master’s Expression;” Flying Books, Publishers & Wholesalers, Eagan, Minnesota, 1985.
10. Phillips, Edward H.: “Beechcraft – Pursuit of Perfection;” Flying Books, Eagan, Minnesota; 1992.
Ed Phillips, now retired and living in the South, has researched and written eight books on the unique and rich aviation history that belongs to Wichita, Kan. His writings have focused on the evolution of the airplanes, companies and people that have made Wichita the “Air Capital of the World” for more than 80 years.
JULY 2016
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 31