Chester Jeep Explained
The Chester Jeep aka the Chester Special #1 was 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 2370NaN0.[1]
Design and development
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 850NaN0 engine to meet the power requirement for the Goodyear races.[6]
Operational history
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 154.3650NaN0
- 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 190.950NaN0
- 1934 Shell speed dash - top speed of 229.720NaN0.
- 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.
Notes and References
- Book: The great air races. Don Vorderman.
- Web site: Chester Jeep. May 4, 2011.
- Book: Air sports: the complete guide to aviation adventure. Norm Goyer.
- Book: Cleveland's Legacy of Flight. Thomas G. Matowitz, Jr..
- Book: Hangar Sweepings . Harold Mills.
- Sport Aviation . May 1958.
- Book: Oakland Aviation. Ronald T. Reuther, William T. Larkins.
