Powell PH Racer explained
The Powell PH Racer was a 1920s air racer which held the distinction of having won all the races it entered.[1]
Design and development
The aircraft was designed by Professor C.H. Powell, teacher at the Aeronautics Department of the University of Detroit.[2]
The biplane racer used an all-wood fuselage with birch paneling. The wing spars were also wood with fabric covering. Uniquely, the aileron hinges were made of leather.[3]
Operational history
- Race Winnings
- 1925 National Air Races piloted by Jerry V. Dack of Dayton, Ohio
- Aero Digest Trophy (Dack)
- The Dayton Daily News Trophy
- The Scientific American Trophy
The Powell Racer was returned to the University of Detroit where it was destroyed in static load tests.
Variants
- Shirlen Big Cootie A set of plans were drawn up for the Powell PH Racer, using steel tubing for the fuselage.[4]
Notes and References
- Experimenter. June 1957.
- Aero Digest. Dec 1925.
- Flight. THE POWELL LIGHT 'PLANE A Successful American Machine with Bristol " Cherub " Engine. 31 December 1925. 852–855.
- Experimenter. June 1957.