The "Flivver" was designed by Dean B. Hammond for a "safe airplane" contest held by the Bureau of Air Commerce in 1934. Hammond won the contest and received a contract for 25 aircraft at $3,190 each. [The original design goal was for an airplane cost of $700] The first airplane delivered was not acceptable to the Bureau, and Lloyd Stearman was asked to re- engineer the plane to improve performance and general workmanship. Thus was formed the Stearman-Hammond Aircraft Corporation in 1936. The first aircraft was powered by a 125hp engine. The performance was not impressive so it was re-engined with a 150hp. Although designed to be easy to fly the high price (eventually $7,150) meant only 20 aircraft were sold at the depth of the Depression.

Two Y-1S were used for radio controlled development trials by the United States Navy as the JH-1] The Royal Air Force also evaluated a Y-1S in the 1940s.

Here is a video of the Stearman-Hammond Y-1 "Flivver" in action:

Click Here for more information about the Stearman-Hammond Y-1 "Flivver".

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