Only one example was manufactured, at the original Stearman factory in Venice, California, flying for the first time in March 1927.

The aircraft was a sesquiwing type of biplane with its fuselage frame manufactured from thin-walled steel tubing, as were the horizontal and vertical stabilizers, the elevators and rudder.

Ailerons were installed on the upper wings only.

The landing gear had a split-axle design, with hydraulic struts and rubber bungee cords.

Initially powered by a 90 hp (67 kW) Curtiss OX-5, in the summer 1927 it was replaced by a 260 hp (194 kW) French Salmson 9Z water cooled radial engine and designated the C1X.