| Wedell-Williams Model 44 | |
|---|---|
| NR278V, Miss Patterson. Shown configured for a Wasp Special Model E-1 engine. |
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| Role | Racing aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Wedell-Williams Air Service Corp. Patterson, Louisiana |
| Designer | James R. Wedell |
| First flight | 12 January 1930[1] |
| Introduction | 13 June 1930, New Orleans Air Races[2] |
| Retired | 1939 National Air Races |
| Status | One survivor, Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, Cleveland, Ohio |
| Primary users | Wedell-Williams Air Service Corp. Roscoe Turner Mary Haizlip |
| Produced | 1930-1931 Patterson, Louisiana |
| Number built | 4 |
| Unit cost | est. US$10,000 in 1931[3] |
| Developed from | Wedell-Williams Model 22 |
The Wedell-Williams Model 44 is a racing aircraft, four examples of which were built in the United States in the early 1930s by the Wedell-Williams Air Service Corporation. It began as a rebuilding of the partnership's successful We-Will racer of 1929, but soon turned into a completely new aircraft. It was a typical 1930s racer design, a braced, low-wing monoplane powered by a large radial engine and equipped with fixed landing gear in large spats.
Model 44s were raced in the 1932, 33, and 34 Bendix Trophy races, as well as the 1934 Thompson and Shell Trophy. In September, 1933 at the International Air Race in Chicago the 44 piloted by Jimmie Wedell set the new world speed record of 305.33 miles per hour.
The only surviving Model 44 is on display at the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, Cleveland, Ohio. Three replica Model 44s are on display at the Louisiana State Museum, Patterson, LA.
Contents |
Experienced air-racer Jimmy Wedell formed a business partnership in 1929 with millionaire Harry P. Williams after giving him flying lessons. Initial plans were to teach flying, provide an aerial photography service and win an airmail contract. Wedell's passion for air-racing led him to convince Williams to build a racer for the January, 1930 Miami Air Races.
This first aircraft was named "We-Will" but as development and testing continued it became apparent it would not be ready for the 1930 Miami event. Wedell halted development of the "We-Will" design and began a new aircraft, the "We-Winc".
In parallel to the development of the We-Winc, he began the construction of a third aircraft, the "We-Will Jr." This aircraft first appeared in the Cirrus Derby held in Detroit on July 21 but the design proved to be underpowered. Further development with improved aerodynamics, numerous technical innovations and a Hamilton Standard ground adjustable propeller radically changed the plane's appearance. Incorporated into the design were the wheel spats that would be an iconic feature of the future racers. This version was however also underpowered. In development and in competition this version, by now dubbed "Model 22" proved to be a disappointment and further development was abandoned.
By 1931 Wedell had turned his attention back to the original We-Will and after a rebuild using the lessons learned in building the We-Winc and the We-Will Jr. attained an acceptable level of performance. This version was named the "Model 44". When mated with a Pratt & Whitney Wasp Jr. engine the design's true potential began to be realized. That year the "44" placed second at the National Air Races.
Soon after the '31 Nationals Wedell began rebuilding the 44 and the We-Winc as well as taking a contract to build a Model 44 for the famous aviator, Roscoe Turner. On the second test flight of Turner's Model 44 the left wing experienced a structural failure and was destroyed in the ensuing crash. Piloting the aircraft himself, Wedell parachuted to safety. After this incident the assistance of Howard Barlow, an aeronautical engineer, was obtained in the redesign of the wings. The second Turner racer was built with the new wing design and proved to be an exceptional performer. The other two Model 44s were rebuilt according the the new wing specification as test pilots had noted wing vibrations in both aircraft previously.
These three aircraft went on to dominate air-racing for the next several years.
General characteristics
Performance
1939 "Tailspin", Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp.
Wedell-Williams Model 22 - Wedell-Williams Model 45 - Wedell-Williams XP-34
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