<hi style=afpcap>The Beech model 17 was one of the most distinctive aircraft to emerge during the '30s, retaining the biplane design but featuring an enclosed cabin and a retractable undercarriage. The Air Corps had a requirement for a small communications aircraft with three ordered in 1939 as the YC-43 Traveler. Of these, one was allocated to the U.S. Air AttachΘ in London. These remained the only three in service until1942 when the Army placed orders for a swift communications aircraft which could be assigned to executive officers. The first contract was for 27 UC-43s and was followed by several more bringing the total to 207. Others were acquired from civilian sources and were impressed into service with ten different designations being allocated. </hi>
