Chester Jeep
| Chester Jeep | |
|---|---|
_(7-29-2023).jpg)
| |
| The Chester Jeep on display | |
| Role | Air racer |
| National origin | United States of America |
| Designer | Art Chester |
| Introduction | 1932 |
| Number built | 1 |
The Chester Jeep aka the Chester Special #1 is an air racer built by Art Chester for the 1932 National Air Races. The aircraft once held the world's speed record for aircraft at 237 mph (381 km/h).[1]
Design and development
[edit]The Chester Jeep was named after "Eugene the Jeep" from the Popeye comics of the time.[2] Chester created a compact airframe in order to maximize speed from a small engine. Art Chester later designed the nose and cowling of the P-51 fighter for North American Aviation.[3]
The Jeep was a mid-wing taildragger racer using a Menasco engine. The wings were supported with small struts. The Jeep was modified with a new prop, spinner and less sharp angles for the 1934 National Air Races. The aircraft's wings were removed and reinstalled for trailering to air events.[4] In 1947 the aircraft was retrofitted ("butchered" by some)[5] with an 85 hp (63 kW) engine to meet the power requirement for the Goodyear races.[6]
Operational history
[edit]
The green and cream colored aircraft was intended to compete in the 1932 National Air Races, but was finished too late. It saw its first race in 1933.
- 1933 National Air Races - 375 Cubic inch class - placed first once, and fourth four other times with a top speed of 154.365 mph (248 km/h)
- 1933 Chicago - 375 Cubic inch class placed first four times, 1000 Cubic inch class placed second, 550 Cubic inch class placed third twice with a top speed of 190.95 mph (307 km/h)
- 1934 Shell speed dash - top speed of 229.72 mph (370 km/h).
- 1934 National Air Races - Cleveland, Ohio 375 Cubic inch class - placed second four times, in the 550 Cubic inch class placed Third twice, and fourth and fifth once.
- 1935 National Air Races - 375 Cubic inch class - placed first twice, in the 550 Cubic inch class placed third once and fourth once.
- 1935 Miami Air Races - Placed first once, and second once.
- 1936 National Air Races - First time racing under the name "Jeep". 375 Cubic inch class - placed second three times. Placed third in one 550 Cubic inch race.
- 1938 Golden Gate International Exhibition race - placed last against aircraft with over 1000 hp in the field.[7] Chester sells the Jeep to start on a new design, the "Goon".
- 1939 National Air Races - New owner Tom Stauch did not file correct paperwork to fly.
- 1947 Goodyear Races re-engined for Formula One Air Racing. Piloted by Bill Falck.
- 1948 Cleveland Air Races
In 1977 the aircraft was donated to the EAA Airventure Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin where it is now restored.
Specifications (Chester Jeep)
[edit]Data from EAA
General characteristics
- Capacity: 1
- Length: 15 ft (4.6 m)
- Wingspan: 16 ft 8 in (5.08 m)
- Height: 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m)
- Wing area: 48 sq ft (4.5 m2)
- Empty weight: 765 lb (347 kg)
- Gross weight: 1,150 lb (522 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 30 US gallons (114 litres)
- Powerplant: 1 × Menasco C4-S air-cooled inverted in-line piston engine, 185 hp (138 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 222 kn (255 mph, 410 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 190 kn (219 mph, 352 km/h)
See also
[edit]Related development
References
[edit]
- ^ Don Vorderman. The great air races.
- ^ "Chester Jeep". Retrieved May 4, 2011.
- ^ Norm Goyer. Air sports: the complete guide to aviation adventure.
- ^ Thomas G. Matowitz, Jr. Cleveland's Legacy of Flight.
- ^ Harold Mills. Hangar Sweepings.
- ^ Sport Aviation. May 1958.
{{cite journal}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ Ronald T. Reuther, William T. Larkins. Oakland Aviation.