The Waco Standard Cabin series is a range of American single-engine 4–5 seat fabric covered cabin biplanes produced by the Waco Aircraft Company beginning in 1931 with the QDC and continuing until 1942 when production ended for the VKS-7F.[1] They were used as light passenger and utility transports, navigational trainers, bushplanes and briefly as maritime reconnaissance aircraft during World War 2.

Quick Facts Role, National origin ...
Waco Standard Cabin series
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1937 Waco VKS-7 late Standard Cabin biplane (C-FLWL) at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum at Rockcliffe, ON.
Role 4-5-seat cabin biplane
National origin United States
Manufacturer Waco Aircraft Company
Introduction 1931
Status Several still airworthy in 2009
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Design

All of the Waco Standard Cabins were powered by cowled radial engines and Waco tried to accommodate their customers preferences for many of the more common commercially available engines of the period, hence the profusion of designations, as the first letter indicates the engine installed. Individual models were each certified with various available engines but not all variations found customers.

Fuselage structure was typical for the period, being welded chrome-moly tubing with light wood strips to fair the shape in and covered with fabric.[2] Wings were built around two solid spruce spars with the airfoil formed from trussed ribs made from plywood and spruce. The leading edge was covered in aluminum sheeting and the whole assembly covered in fabric.[2] Ailerons were interconnected with a strut mounted to the trailing edge and on some versions were sheeted with ribbed aluminum.[2] Most models were not fitted with flaps – the VKS-7F, built for the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP) being the exception.[3] It was fitted with split flaps only on the undersides of the upper wings and at mid chord, inboard and just ahead of the ailerons. Wing bracing was with a canted N strut joining upper and lower wings, assisted by a single strut bracing the lower wing to the upper fuselage longeron, there being no bracing wires. Elevators and rudder were built up from welded steel tubing braced with wire cables, and both could be trimmed, the elevators in flight[2] and the rudder with a ground adjustable tab. Normally the main undercarriage was made up of a pair of vees, sprung with oleo/spring struts and provided with brakes as standard equipment, and a free-castoring tailwheel[2] sprung with triangulated shock cords.[4] was fitted to most aircraft, although a small number for Brazil were fitted with a tail skid.[5] Floats were also offered as an option, starting with the UIC which had Edo P-3300 floats.[6] Later types (including the UKC, YKC and CJC) were offered with Edo 38-3430 floats.[7]

Development

The standard cabin series were Waco's first successful cabin biplane design, and was developed to accompany the F series airframe in their lineup.[8] The Model C series had the top longerons raised to form a four-seat cabin which was entered through a door between the wings on the left side and had a rather distinctive rear-view window that was cleaned up, and then dispensed with in the later standard cabins. The initial QDC model of 1931 was offered with a 165 hp (123 kW) Continental A70 cowled engine,[4] or as the BDC, ODC, PDC and UDC with other engines (as listed under variants). 1932 saw the introduction of the OEC and UEC models. Continuous refinement and improvement by Waco Aircraft resulted in production of various sub-models continuing until 1939.[9]

In 1935, Waco introduced its slightly larger Custom Cabin series (which featured a sesquiplane layout without ailerons on the lower wing) and decided to differentiate between the Standard and Custom Cabin types by appending an S to the model designator. in 1936 the C-S was replaced with an 'S' signifying 'Standard'.[10] For example, the YKC of 1934 became the YKC-S of 1935 and the YKS of 1936, though with additional minor improvements.

Operational history

The Standard Cabin series, with its cabin comfort, proved to be popular with private pilot owners. Many were purchased by small commercial aviation firms and non-aviation businesses. With the onset of World War II, examples were impressed into the air forces of many Allied nations, including the US (USAAC and US Navy), the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. USAAC Designations assigned to standard cabin Wacos included UC-72D (for 2 VKS-7s), UC-72K (for 1 YKS-7) and UC-72M (for 2 ZKS-7s). Most were used as utility aircraft, however a small number were operated by the US Civil Air Patrol, conducting anti-submarine patrols off the US coastline from March 1942 to August 1943 armed with 50- or 100-pound bombs.[11] In 1942 21 VKS-7F were built for the Civilian Pilot Training Program for use as navigational trainers. A single impressed YKC referred to as the Little Waco, RAF serial AX697, was used by the British Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) along with a Waco Custom Cabin ZGC-7 Big Waco to support their activities behind Axis lines.[12] After World War II, some impressed UC-72 cabins returned to civilian operations, and a very few were additionally revamped (with FAA approval) with new engine models. This further complicated model nomenclature, though the FAA generally retained original nomenclatures for a given re-engined airframe.[13] Fewer than 135 Standard Cabin series aircraft of several sub-models are currently registered in the USA.[14]

Variants

Data from Aerofiles[10]

Early Skylight

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Waco UEC at the EAA Airventure Museum, Oshkosh showing distinctive skylight used on early cabin Wacos
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Waco UEC

DC Series

BDC
165 hp (123 kW) Wright R-540 engine. No record of production.
ODC
210 hp (157 kW) Kinner C-5 engine. modified to QDC.
PDC
170 hp (127 kW) Jacobs LA-1 engine. 2 built on special order.
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WACO QDC
QDC
165 hp (123 kW) Continental A-70 engine. 37 built.
UDC
210 hp (157 kW) Continental R-670 engine. No record of production.

EC Series

BEC
165 hp (123 kW) Wright R-540 engine. 1 built, [X12440], (converted to OEC or UEC).
OEC
210 hp (157 kW) Kinner C-5 engine. 3 built.
UEC
210 hp (157 kW) Continental R-670 engine. 40 built.

Late Skylight

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1934 Waco UKC showing late skylight smoothly faired in

IC Series

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WACO UIC
UIC
210 hp (157 kW) Continental R-670 engine. 83 built.

JC Series

CJC
250 hp (186 kW) Wright R-760 engine. 41 CJC, DJC & DJC-S built.
DJC
285 hp (213 kW) Wright R-760 engine.

KC Series

UKC
210 hp (157 kW) Continental R-670 engine.
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WACO YKC
YKC
225 hp (168 kW) Jacobs L-4 engine. 60 YKC built,

No Skylight

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Waco YKS-6. Struts connecting upper and lower ailerons are visible, distinguishing this type from the contemporary Custom Cabin sesquiplanes
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1937 Waco VKS-7, a late Standard Cabin Waco, with no skylights.

JC-S Series

CJC-S
250 hp (186 kW) Wright R-760 engine.
DJC-S
285 hp (213 kW) Wright R-760 engine.

KC-S Series

UKC-S
210 hp (157 kW) Continental R-670 engine. 40 built.
YKC-S
225 hp (168 kW) Jacobs L-4 engine. 22 YKC-S built
ZKC-S
285 hp (213 kW) Jacobs L-5 engine.

KS Series

UKS-6
210 hp (157 kW) Continental R-670 engine. 2 built.[15]
VKS-7
240 hp (179 kW) Continental W-670 engine. 18 built
VKS-7F
Only Standard Cabin with flaps, built for Civilian Pilot Training Program as navigational trainer. F designates use of flaps. 21 built.
YKS-6
225 hp (168 kW) Jacobs L-4 engine. 133 built.[15] 65 YKS-6 built.
ZKS-6 & 7
285 hp (213 kW) Jacobs L-5 engine. 29 built. re-designated from ZKC-S in 1936.[15]
HKS-7
300 hp (224 kW) Lycoming R-680-13 engine, installed with FAA approval.[16]

Operators

Military operators

Most operators operated either a single example, or a very small number.

 Argentina
 Australia
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Waco UIC standard cabin biplane
 Brazil
 Canada
 El Salvador
 Finland
 Mexico
 Netherlands
 New Zealand
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Civil Air Patrol Waco YKS-6 on tarmac in Bar Harbour, Maine
 Norway
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Waco ZKS-7 impressed into WW II service as a UC-72M – then re-engined with Lycoming R-680-13 to become an HKS-7
 South Africa
 Sweden
 United Kingdom
 United States

Civil operators

Waco Custom Cabins were used in small numbers by a very large number of individual operators and were registered in the following countries (note that this list is not exhaustive).[30]

 Argentina
 Belgian Congo (now Congo-Kinshasa)
 Canada
 Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia)
 Egypt
 Finland
 Germany
 Guatemala
 Honduras
 Iceland
 Kenya
 Mexico
 Netherlands
 New Zealand
 Norway
 Nyasaland (now Malawi)
 Philippines
Portugal Portuguese Mozambique (now Mozambique)
 South Africa
 Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe)
 Sweden
 United Kingdom
 United States
 Venezuela

Aircraft on display

Aside from the large number of Wacos that continue to exist in private hands,[31] a number have also found their way into museums.

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Waco Standard Cabin series
Waco Standard Cabin series
Waco Standard Cabin series
Waco Standard Cabin series
Waco Standard Cabin series
Waco Standard Cabin series
Waco Standard Cabin series
Waco Standard Cabin series
Waco Standard Cabin series
Waco Standard Cabin series
Waco Standard Cabin series
Waco Standard Cabin series
Waco Standard Cabin series
Waco Standard Cabin series
Wacos Standard Cabin biplanes on display
MuseumLocationTypeIdentity
Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum[32]Anchorage, AlaskaYKCNC14066
Alberta Aviation Museum[33]Edmonton, AlbertaUICCF-AAW
Canada Aviation and Space Museum[34]Ottawa, OntarioVKS-7C-FLWL
Točná Airport[35]Prague, CzechiaYKS-6NC16512
EAA AirVenture Museum[36]Oshkosh, WisconsinUECNC12472
Golden Wings Flying Museum[37]Minneapolis, MinnesotaUKCNC13897
Museu Aeroespacial[38]Rio de Janeiro, BrazilCJCTherezina C66
New England Air Museum[39]Windsor Locks, ConnecticutYKC-SNC14614
Paul E. Garber Facility[40]Suitland, MarylandUICNC13062
Pima Air & Space Museum[41]Tucson, ArizonaZKS-6N16523
Port Townsend Aero Museum[42]Port Townsend, WashingtonYKS-6NC16517
Museum of FlyingSanta Monica, CaliforniaUECNC18613
Western Canada Aviation Museum[43]Winnipeg, ManitobaYKC-SCF-AYS
Yanks Air Museum[44]Chino, CaliforniaUECNC18613

Specifications

Referenced from Juptner, U.S. Civil Aircraft, 1962, 1974, 1977 and 1980 (dates refer to specific volumes, not editions)[45][46][47][48]

More information Date, Type ...
Date Type Power Engine Length OA Span
(upper)
Span
(lower)
Speed
(maximum)
Weight
(empty)
Weight
(max gross)
Load
(maximum)
Price[49]
(new)
Price[50]
(adjusted)
Apr 1931QDC165 hp (123 kW)Continental A-70-223'2"(7.06m)33'3"(10.13m)28'2"(8.59m)116 mph (187 km/h)1,530 lb (694 kg)2,507 lb (1,137 kg)977 lb (443 kg)$5,985$119,910
Mar 1932UEC210 hp (157 kW)Continental R-67024'8"(7.52m)33'3"(10.13m)28'2"(8.59m)133 mph (214 km/h)1,670 lb (758 kg)[51]2,700 lb (1,225 kg)1,030 lb (470 kg)$5,985$133,655
Mar 1932OEC210 hp (157 kW)Kinner C-5-21024'9"(7.54m)33'3"(10.13m)28'2"(8.59m)133 mph (214 km/h)1,667 lb (756 kg)[52]2,700 lb (1,225 kg)1,033 lb (469 kg)$5,985$133,655
Apr 1932BEC165 hp (123 kW)Wright R-54024'10"(7.57m)33'3"(10.13m)28'2"(8.59m)120 mph (193 km/h)1,650 lb (748 kg)2,650 lb (1,202 kg)1,000 lb (450 kg)unknown
Mar 1933UIC210 hp (157 kW)Continental R-67025'2"(7.67m)33'3"(10.13m)28'3"(8.61m)140 mph (225 km/h)[53]1,690 lb (767 kg)2,800 lb (1,270 kg)1,110 lb (500 kg)$5,985$140,871
Mar 1933UIC[54]210 hp (157 kW)Continental R-67028'11"(8.81m)33'3"(10.13m)28'3"(8.61m)126 mph (203 km/h)2,079 lb (943 kg)3,250 lb (1,474 kg)1,171 lb (531 kg)unknown
Mar 1934UKC210 hp (157 kW)Continental R-670-A25'3"(7.70m)33'3"(10.13m)28'3"(8.61m)143 mph (230 km/h)1,745 lb (792 kg)[55]2,850 lb (1,293 kg)1,105 lb (501 kg)$6,285$143,148
Mar 1934UKC[56]210 hp (157 kW)Continental R-670-A28'10"(8.79m)33'3"(10.13m)28'3"(8.61m)126 mph (203 km/h)2,131 lb (967 kg)3,250 lb (1,474 kg)1,119 lb (508 kg)unknown
Apr 1934YKC225 hp (168 kW)Jacobs L-425'4"(7.72m)33'3"(10.13m)28'3"(8.61m)149 mph (240 km/h)1,800 lb (817 kg)2,850 lb (1,293 kg)1,050 lb (480 kg)$6,450$146,906
Apr 1934YKC[56]225 hp (168 kW)Jacobs L-428'10"(8.79m)33'3"(10.13m)28'3"(8.61m)130 mph (209 km/h)2,186 lb (992 kg)3,250 lb (1,474 kg)1,064 lb (483 kg)unknown
May 1934CJC250 hp (186 kW)Wright R-760-E25'8"(7.82m)34'10"(10.62m)28'3"(8.61m)152 mph (245 km/h)1,976 lb (896 kg)3,200 lb (1,452 kg)1,224 lb (555 kg)$8,365$190,522
May 1934CJC[56]250 hp (186 kW)Wright R-760-E28'10"(8.79m)34'10"(10.62m)28'3"(8.61m)132 mph (212 km/h)2,296 lb (1,041 kg)3,650 lb (1,656 kg)1,354 lb (614 kg)unknown
1935UKC-S210 hp (157 kW)Continental R-670-A25'3"(7.70m)33'3"(10.13m)28'3"(8.61m)138 mph (222 km/h)1,720 lb (780 kg)3,000 lb (1,361 kg)1,280 lb (580 kg)$5,225[57]$116,117
1935YKC-S225 hp (168 kW)Jacobs L-425'4"(7.72m)33'3"(10.13m)28'3"(8.61m)143 mph (230 km/h)1,773 lb (804 kg)3,000 lb (1,361 kg)1,227 lb (557 kg)$5,490[58]$122,006
1935CJC-S250 hp (186 kW)Wright R-760-E25'8"(7.82m)34'10"(10.62m)28'3"(8.61m)152 mph (245 km/h)1,941 lb (880 kg)3,200 lb (1,452 kg)1,359 lb (616 kg)$7,000$155,563
1936YKS-6225 hp (168 kW)Jacobs L-425'4"(7.72m)33'3"(10.13m)28'3"(8.61m)144 mph (232 km/h)1,809 lb (821 kg)3,250 lb (1,474 kg)1,441 lb (654 kg)$4,995$109,674
Feb 1937YKS-7225 hp (168 kW)Jacobs L-4M/MB[59]25'3"(7.70m)33'3"(10.13m)28'3"(8.61m)146 mph (235 km/h)1,882 lb (854 kg)3,250 lb (1,474 kg)1,368 lb (621 kg)$5,695$120,702
Feb 1937ZKS-7285 hp (213 kW)Jacobs L-525'3"(7.70m)33'3"(10.13m)28'3"(8.61m)153 mph (246 km/h)1,928 lb (875 kg)[60]3,250 lb (1,474 kg)1,322 lb (600 kg)$6,135$130,028
1939, 1947HKS-7300 hp (224 kW)Lycoming R680-1325'3"(7.70m)33'3"(10.13m)28'3"(8.61m)168 mph (270 km/h)2,020 lb (916 kg)[60]3,250 lb (1,474 kg)1,322 lb (600 kg)$7,600$166,473
Jun 1937UKS-7225 hp (168 kW)Continental W-670K25'3"(7.70m)33'3"(10.13m)28'3"(8.61m)147 mph (237 km/h)1,907 lb (865 kg)3,250 lb (1,474 kg)1,343 lb (609 kg)$5,890$124,835
Jun 1937VKS-7240 hp (179 kW)Continental W-670M25'3"(7.70m)33'3"(10.13m)28'3"(8.61m)149 mph (240 km/h)1,917 lb (870 kg)3,250 lb (1,474 kg)1,333 lb (605 kg)$5,890$124,835
1938VKS-7240 hp (179 kW)Continental W-670M25'3"(7.70m)33'3"(10.13m)28'3"(8.61m)145 mph (233 km/h)1,960 lb (889 kg)[60]3,250 lb (1,474 kg)1,290 lb (585 kg)$7,770$164,681
Jun 1937VKS-7F240 hp (179 kW)Continental W-670M25'3"(7.70m)33'3"(10.13m)28'3"(8.61m)145 mph (233 km/h)2,256 lb (1,023 kg)3,250 lb (1,474 kg)994 lb (451 kg)$12,500[61]$264,931[62]
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See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

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