The Condor K-10 Shoestring (originally known as the Ast Special and the Mercury Air Shoestring) was a Formula One Air Racing aircraft built by Carl and Vincent Ast to compete in the Cleveland National Air Races in 1949. It was a highly streamlined mid-wing cantilever monoplane with fixed tailwheel undercarriage. The mainwheels were covered with spats. The shoestring differed in approach to the 66 sq ft wing limitation, choosing a longer high aspect ratio tapered wing compared to the stubby wings of others.[1] The original aircraft (registered N16V) was extensively rebuilt in 1965 and 1974, and by that time had won fourteen first places, three second places and four third places.
| Shoestring | |
|---|---|
| |
| Shoestring N16V awaiting restoration | |
| Role | Formula One Air Racing aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Mercury Air, Condor Aero for homebuilding |
| Designer | Rodney Kreimendahl |
| First flight | 1949 |
Although the original design drawings appear to have been lost or destroyed, one of the aircraft's owners, John Anderson, had Piper engineer Landis Ketner make a completely new set from examination of the aircraft itself. These plans were used by Jim Strode to build a second aircraft, incorporating changes of his own including a completely new cowling design. This machine first flew on 15 July 1970 as Yellow Jacket (registration N88JS). Under the name Condor Aero, Ketner soon made the plans available to homebuilders.[2]
Data from Air Trails Summer 1971
General characteristics
Performance
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