Rider R-5 Explained

The Rider-Elmendorf R-5 Jackrabbit is an aircraft designed and built to compete in the National Air Races.

Development

Keith Rider developed the R-4 Firecracker and R-5 at the same time to compete in the 1936 racing season.^[1]

Design

The R-5 is a low winged monoplane with retractable conventional landing gear. The wing is all wood with two spars and plywood covering. The fuselage is welded steel tubing with fabric covering. The tail surfaces are all-metal. The brakeless retractable main gear used a simple manual jackscrew. A tailskid was used rather than a tailwheel.^[2]

Operational history

• 1936 National Air Races at Los Angeles - Pilot Dave Elmendorf placed third in the 580ci speed dash at 221.554 mph. The aircraft was painted yellow and named the "Elmendorf Special"

Douglas aircraft engineers Hal Marcoux and Jack Bromberg purchased the aircraft, painted it black and yellow, and renamed it the "Jackrabbit".

• 1938 National Air Races Greve trophy - Pilot Earl Ortman placed fourth with a speed of 192.503 mph.
• 1939 National Air Races - The aircraft was present, but did not compete due to engine issues. The National Air Races would be postponed afterward because of World War II. The R-5 was retired from racing.

The R-5 was purchased by James C. Garvin in 1966 later by Morton Lester for display at the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.^[3]

Variants

• Rider R-4 A near twin design with two feet less wingspan than the R-5
• Rider R-5

Notes and References

1. Sport Aviation. September 1982. Jack Cox. THE KEITH RIDER R-5 "JACKRABBIT".
2. Aeronautics . 44. 1961. 34.
3. Web site: Rider R-5. 15 March 2012.