The STINSON RELIANT SR9-E is a rare, 1930’s classic aircraft of which only 43 were built. Stinson built a total of 1,327 Reliants of all models. The SR9-E is a single-engine, high ‘gull’ wing, fixed tail wheel light aircraft manufactured by the Stinson Aircraft Company of Wayne, Michigan. Later model Reliants, of which this is one, were nicked-named ‘gull wing’ because it has maximum cord and thickness at mid-span which, when looked at from the front gives the appearance of a seagull.
The museum’s Reliant was originally a U.S. Military aircraft which, following the Second World War, was restored to its civilian configuration. It was donated to the museum by Doug Anderson who flew it to many North American air shows where it was always a great hit.
