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

1. Experimenter. June 1957.
2. Aero Digest. Dec 1925.
3. Flight. THE POWELL LIGHT 'PLANE A Successful American Machine with Bristol " Cherub " Engine. 31 December 1925. 852–855.
4. Experimenter. June 1957.