RYAN STM-2

1934’42

Plane & Pilot

Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: Omar Filipović

Key Takeaways:

The Ryan Aeronautical Co., successor to the manufacturer of Charles Lindbergh's plane, revived in 1934 after a collapse during the Depression.
Upon its revival, Ryan began producing the ST two-seat monoplane series, with models like the ST, STA, and STA Special, primarily differentiated by Menasco engine horsepower.
The ST series was adapted for military use as the STM1 (sold to Latin American countries) and the STM2, which became the U.S. Army Air Corps' PT-20 trainer.
Many aircraft of the Ryan ST type are still active today, showcasing their enduring design and utility.

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The Ryan Aeronautical Co. was a successor to the Ryan Co. that produced the airplane Charles Lindbergh used to cross the Atlantic. The company benefited from the airplane boom that followed but succumbed to the Depression in 1931. In 1934, the company was revived and began building the ST two-seat monoplane series. There were three models: the ST with a 95-hp Menasco, the STA with a 125-hp Menasco, and the STA Special with a 150-hp Menasco. For military purposes, the STM1 was built with the 150-hp engine and sold to many Latin American countries. It was followed by the STM2, which embodied several modifications specified by the U.S. Army Air Corps and was designated the PT-20. Numerous aircraft of this type are still active.