The first design from the Detroit-based Stinson Aircraft Syndicate was the Stinson SB-1 Detroiter, a four-seat cabin biplane with novel features such as cabin heating, individual wheel brakes and electric starter for the nose-mounted 220 hp (164 kW) Wright J-5 Whirlwind engine. The Harley Davidson brakes were demonstrated on a snowy maiden flight requiring wheel chains to be added to prevent skidding.
The prototype sold to Horace Elgin Dodge, first production model sold to John Duval Dodge of Dodgeson.
The SB-1 was much modified.
Twenty-six SB-1 were built.
This aircraft was soon developed into the six-seat Stinson SM-1D Detroiter, a braced high-wing monoplane version which made its first flight on 25 January 1926.
Certified ATC 24, the 1926 SB-1 Detroiter was equipped with electric starter and individual wheel brakes. They sold for $11,000-12,000.
Of the 26 built, the first planes went to Northwest Airlines.
ATC 2-330 in 1931 was for SB-1 powered by 200hp Wright J-4 as Detroiter Special (3 conversions).
SB-1 Prototype
Wingspan: 35’10”
Length: 28’10”
Useful load: 1470 lb
Max speed: 125 mph
Cruise: 100 mph
Stall: 46 mph
Ceiling: 13,500′
Seats: 4-5
SB-1 Detroiter
220hp Wright J-4
Wingspan: 33’9″
Length: 28’1″
Useful load: 1200 lb
Max speed: 125 mph
Cruise: 105 mph
Stall: 45 mph
Range: 500 mi
Seats: 4-5
All Aero 