| Chester Jeep | |
|---|---|
| |
| The Chester Jeep on display | |
| Role | Air racer
Type of aircraft
|
| National origin | United States of America |
| Designer | Art Chester |
| Introduction | 1932 |
| Number built | 1 |
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 237 mph (381 km/h).[1]
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 85 hp (63 kW) engine to meet the power requirement for the Goodyear races.[6]
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.
In 1977 the aircraft was donated to the EAA Airventure MuseuminOshkosh, Wisconsin where it is now restored.
Data from EAA
General characteristics
Performance
Related development
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