Mahoney

Sorcreress
Photo: Robert Deering 10/23/2006
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Chantilly, Virginia

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