The Beechcraft UC-43 was the military designation of the Beech 17; called the ‘Staggerwing’ because of its unusual reverse wing arrangement. They are considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing aircraft ever made

The Beech UC-43 was a military version of the Beech Model 17 ‘Staggerwing’ which was designed as a high speed ‘executive transport’ in the early 1930s.

The prototype first flew on 4 November 1932, they had become very popular and Beechcraft had sold over 420 by the time the United States entered World War Two at the end of 1941.

Many Beech 17s were impressed into military service where they were designated UC-43 by the USAAF and JB by the US Navy.

More were made for the military where they were primarily used as communications and VIP transports.

In all 785 Beech 17s were produced, production ended in 1949 but many still fly today.

This model represents a UC-43 flying for the USAAF in about 1943.

Anigrand 1/144 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in March 2018.