Wright Flyer

Dec 23, 2015 | AF-S 50mm f1.4G, Daily Image 2015, Nikon 1 V3

Wright Flyer

Wright Flyer  On December 17, 1903, for the first time a heavier than air craft took off, made a sustained flight, and landed safely.  The biplane, designed and built by Wilbur and Orville Wright, was powered by a four cylinder, 12 HP engine.  The Wright Flyer flew a distance of 120 feet in 12 seconds.  Must have been a very Merry Christmas for the Wright family in 1903!

Gee Bee R-1 Super Sportster

Dec 21, 2015 | AF-S 50mm f1.4G, Daily Image 2015, Nikon 1 V3

Gee Bee R-1 Super Sportster

Gee Bee R-1 Super Sportster  In the 1930s, National Air races were a top spectator sport.  The Thompson Trophy Races, which featured planes flying a closed circuit 10 mile course around 50 foot high pylons, was one of the most prestigious and drew as many as 100,000 fans.  Few airplanes were more respected or recognized than the Gee Bee racers from Granville Brothers Aircraft.  In 1932, the Gee Bee R-1 Super Sportster won the Thompson Trophy with famed pilot Jimmy Doolittle at the controls.  In the time trials preceding the event, he set a land plane speed record of more than 294 mph.