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Waco 10 (GXE)

The word “barnstorming” was first used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to describe the activities of small theatrical groups that often performed in barns while visiting farming communities across the country. Later, the term was applied to the activities of itinerant pilots of the 1920s who flew from town to town and offered rides for a modest fee. For many North Americans, this was their first airplane ride, usually in war surplus Curtiss JN-4 “Jennies” or “Canucks”. But it soon became evident that there was a need for more modern aircraft with better performance and greater carrying capacity.

By 1928, a number of new biplane types had appeared on the scene that epitomized 1920s aviation in North America. Many were of similar design, powered by the war surplus 90 hp Curtiss OX-5 engines then available in large numbers. Because of its simple beauty and pleasant flying characteristics, the Waco 10 was one of the most popular of this class. Small commercial operators and private owners used this model for barnstorming, charter trips or flight instruction.

Museum Example

Simple to manufacture, these fabric-covered aircraft employed welded steel tubing for the fuselage framework and tail planes, while the wing’s spars and ribs were built of wood. The roomy front and rear cockpits provided adequate wind protection for pilot and passengers and the engine was enclosed with a neat cowling that could be easily removed for maintenance. Waco 10s introduced the hydraulic shock absorbing landing gear to the personal aircraft industry, while other features included a ground adjustable fin to counteract engine torque and a horizontal stabilizer that was adjustable in flight to trim the machine. Later versions were offered with a choice of several different engines by the Advance Aircraft Company of Troy, Ohio, which later became the Waco Aircraft Company, an industry leader in the production of private and commercial aircraft during the 1930s and 1940s.

The Museum’s example was built in 1928 and was purchased in the United States by Leavens Aviation Incorporated during the 1970s and restored to commemorate the firm’s fiftieth anniversary. It became a familiar sight at aerial displays and fly-ins throughout Ontario for a number of years. At first loaned and then donated by the Leavens family of Toronto, it was flown to the Museum during the summer of 2000.

Specifications

Wing Span (upper):
9.3 m (30 ft 7 in)
Length:
7.2 m (23 ft 6 in)
Height:
2.7 m (9 ft)
Weight, Empty:
545 kg (1,200 lb)
Weight, Gross:
919 kg (2,025 lb)
Cruising Speed:
135 km/h (84 mph)
Max Speed:
156 km/h (97 mph)
Rate of Climb:
158 m (520 ft) /min
Service Ceiling:
3,660 m (12,000 ft)
Range:
620 km (385 mi)
Power Plant:
one Curtiss OX-5, 90 hp, Vee engine

Additional Photographs

The Canada Aviation Museum’s Image Bank contains additional photographs of this aircraft. Images are provided for non-commercial study or research purposes only and may not be reproduced or published without the prior consent of the Canada Aviation Museum.

Find out more about our Image bank here.