The AT-19 "Reliant"

Developed as a sports enthusiasts plane in 1936, the Stinson Reliants were popular in the private and commercial market in the U.S. and overseas. In 1936, a new, higher lift sesquispar wing was fitted, and the new series became know as "Gull-wing" Reliants.

When America entered World War II, production of civilian Reliants ended, and some were impressed into the U.S. Army Air Corps as UC-81 utility transports. In July of 1942, however, England placed an order for 500 Reliants for use as instrument and navigation trainers. The new design, based on the SR-10 civilian airframe, was given the Stinson company number of V-77 (Stinson having become a subsidiary of Vultee in October, 1939, thus the V designation). Designated the AT-19 by the USAAC, the British simply called it the Reliant.

Most of the British Reliants were assigned to the Fleet Air Arm (FAA), instead of the Royal Air Force (RAF). The Reliant I (AT-19) was a five seat transport, very little changed from the civilian SR-10 model. The Reliant II (AT-19A) was the first purpose built instrument and navigation trainer, with only three seats. The Reliant III (AT-19B) was an observation and aerial photographic survey version, and the Reliant IV (AT-19C) was a cargo only version.

After the war, about 350 of the 500 British Reliants were returned to the U.S., and many were civilianized and licensed for civil ownership and use. Their rugged construction and large cargo cabin capacity made them popular as "bush" planes in Canada and Alaska, many mounted on floats. In 1960, a Canadian model called the Bushman, reentered production, with all wood and fabric of the original design replaced by metal.

Recent counts show over 100 V-77 models still flying in the United States, plus many pre-war production Reliants.

The Carolinas Wing AT-19 served with the Royal Navy in 1944 and '45 as a U-Boat hunter. Here's what we know of our Reliant's history.