Alerts Sign-up
The Swallow Airplane Company, an early American aircraft manufacturer, played a significant role in the development of aviation in the United States during the 1920s. Based in Wichita, Kansas, the company produced several aircraft models primarily used for air mail and pilot training. The company's operation as a maintenance provider and subcontractor continued until its closure in 1956.
Notable figures such as Lloyd Stearman and Walter Beech were involved in designing Swallow planes. "The new aircraft designers included early aviation legends Lloyd Stearman and Walter Beech," with Beech later founding the Beech Aircraft Company and Stearman forming his own company that eventually merged with Boeing.
The first dedicated new aircraft by Swallow was the New Swallow or Swallow Commercial Three-Seater, launched in 1924. It was a wooden-framed three-seat biplane designed mainly for air mail service. "Around 50 of these first aircraft were built."
