World record attempt for fastest prop-driven aircraft (P-51)

[OD/NG]

Also, a swept wing has already been tried on an Unlimited racer. It was called "Vendetta" / "Miss Ashley II". It ended up with disastrous consequences and killed a well known race pilot.

But as I recall, the cause of the crash was likely a trim tab or flutter issue on the tail- not an inherit flaw or direct "consequence" of the moderately swept (tapered?) lear-jet wing. A true swept wing as most define it (ala' f-86 shape) has been mused about, but not applied to an unlimited.

All the best for the record attempt team! It is quite a testament to see how long the record stayed with the me 209, Conquest 1, and Rare Bear.

Any time Miss Ashley II comes up, there's talk that the swept wing wasn't the best for the Reno race course, but supposedly in level flight it could really haul the mail. It was still in the development stages when it crashed though. If it is true that the swept wing wasn't the best at Reno, it would be even more true now since the race course is much tighter.

In Voodoo's case, from what I understand, the sponsor had the wing analyzed and figured that with a little modification it would be able to break the record. A lot less expensive than building a new wing or adapting a different one.

Oh and don't forget the Red Baron! Funny that Conquest, Baron and Bear's records are all 10 years apart. It is fitting though as each one was the dominant force in air racing when they set their records.

Yes, all true statements. Generally speaking, swept wing aircraft don't turn as well as straight wing aircraft. If one were to currently build an Unlimited racer with a swept wing, it would be optimized for straight and level all out speed - not real great for a course that has a plane in a turn nearly the entire time like at Reno. Swept wing aircraft tend to have a larger turn radius, a lower rate of turn, and in low aspect ratio swept wings - a higher bleed off of energy (airspeed) via induced drag - during turns. So who, in their right mind, would spend literally millions putting a swept wing on an Unlimited for only one purpose - to capture the world speed record and nothing else. I guess there are multi-millionaires who would do that, but even Rod Lewis had a budget for Air Racing. After "Rare Bear" didn't produce, he effectively grounded the plane.

[K5DH]

Which racer project was it that used (or was going to use) wings from a Learjet?

[CJAM427]

Which racer project was it that used (or was going to use) wings from a Learjet?

Vendetta and then Miss Ashley II used the same wing.

[OD/NG]

Now, all of the details are finally out! We now know where and when and updates from the event will be posted on-line. All the details are here:

http://shotover.com/news/article/pursui ... rd_attempt

Does anybody know who's T-33 that is which is filming the speed run?

[JohnTerrell]

The T-33 is owned by Dan Friedkin (N133AT to be exact).

The article also confirms Friedkin as being the founder of Pursuit Aviation, which just came on the scene back in June/July, when documenting the journey of Friedkin's "Berlin Express" across the Atlantic.

[OD/NG]

The T-33 is owned by Dan Friedkin (N133AT to be exact).

The article also confirms Friedkin as being the founder of Pursuit Aviation, which just came on the scene back in June/July, when documenting the journey of Friedkin's "Berlin Express" across the Atlantic.

Thanks for the info on the T-33.

Yep, and Aviation Partners is owned by Joe Clark, who is a partner with Clay Lacy. Joe also owns an F7F Tigercat. Once you peel the onion layers off of this record attempt, it becomes obvious that everybody involved in it, from the money end to the flying end is heavily involved in warbirds in some fashion.

[exhaustgases]

And with the swept wings wouldn't a canard help stabilize the plane better for the tight turns? And then add a high speed ducted fan to replace the prop.

[exhaustgases]

It did a double post.

[Zac Yates]

Pursuit will livestream today's attempt on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PursuitAviationCo/

Going by the photos they've posted today looks like a fantastic day for flying!

[Mike]

And with the swept wings wouldn't a canard help stabilize the plane better for the tight turns? And then add a high speed ducted fan to replace the prop.

1) The record runs are over a straight-line course.

2) Exactly where do you propose to put the duct part of the ducted fan?

[Elwyn]

When will the attempt occur?

[Zac Yates]

Pursuit Aviation posted on Facebook less than 10min ago: "We are preparing for the attempt as we speak! To be notified right when the Live broadcast starts, click “Follow” at the top of the page. From there, you can choose to be notified for “All Live Videos”. Stay tuned!"

Their page is at https://www.facebook.com/PursuitAviationCo/

EDIT: "UPDATE: Due to current conditions the World Record attempt will be delayed until tomorrow. We will let everyone know in the morning about tomorrow afternoon's attempt and the live feed."

[phil65]

Thanks for the up-dates.

Phil

[RacingMustang]

"After yesterday’s delay, we’re aiming at an afternoon attempt for the Speed World Record! Stay tuned for updates and click FOLLOW at the top of the page to be notified when we go LIVE! ✈️ #PursuitAviation"

[Zac Yates]

They're live, I think I just saw the chase/camera T-33 take off: https://www.facebook.com/pg/PursuitAvia ... e_internal

EDIT: It was aborted and I think they're trying again tomorrow.