|
The
Mahoney
Sorceress
was a racing staggerwing
biplane originally designed
by the father and son team
of Lee and Seldon Mahoney
with later improvements
accomplished by pilot Don
Beck.
The aircraft is famous as
being the first biplane to
exceed 200 mph (320 km/h) on
a race pylon course and also
held the distinction of
being the most successful
racing biplane in history. The aircraft proved so successful
that the rules governing its competition
qualification were modified to such an
extent that the Sorceress was forced into
retirement.
Fitted with only a single
135-horsepower Lycoming O-290-D2 engine,
this unique metal staggerwing biplane flew
to many victories during its distinguished
career in the 1970s. Noted air racing pilot
Don Beck purchased the Sorceress in 1972 and
flew it to many more wins. Beck gave the
aircraft to the Museum in 1984
where it is currently housed
in the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy
Center in Chantilly,
Virginia.
Dimensions:
Wingspan: 4.9 m
(16 ft)
Length: 5.2 m (17 ft)
Height:
2.1 m (7 ft)
Weight, empty: 318 kg (700
lb)
Top speed: 394 km/h (245 mph)
Engine: Lycoming O-290-D2, air-cooled, 135
hp
Source:
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
/ Wikipedia
|
