Beechcraft is one of the most notable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) based in the United States. The company was founded in 1932 by Walter Beech, his wife Olive Ann Beech, and legendary aircraft designer Ted A. Wells. Wells and Beech started the company by releasing the Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing in 1933. Beechcraft produced nearly 1,000 of the staggerwing aircraft, which solidified the company as a major player in the general aviation industry.