Alexander Bullet
| Alexander Bullet | |
|---|---|
| Role | Cabin monoplane |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Alexander Aircraft Company |
| Designer | Albert Mooney |
| First flight | February 1929 |
| Introduction | 1929 |
| Number built | 11 |
| Unit cost |
C1 $8,888 C3 $6,666 in 1929 |
The Alexander Bullet or Alexander Eaglerock Bullet was a low wing cabin monoplane that was a departure from traditional biplane aircraft of the era.
Design and development
The Bullet was built at the beginning of the Great Depression. Company owner J Don Alexander said he was inspired by ducks tucking in their legs to build a retractable landing gear-equipped aircraft.[1] The aircraft experienced stability problems in spin testing, killing two pilots.[2] Few orders were delivered.[3]
The Bullet was a low wing, cabin aircraft with retractable conventional landing gear.[4] The fuselage was constructed with welded steel tubing and the wings were constructed with wooden spars and ribs, both with aircraft fabric covering.[5]
Operational history
An Alexander Bullet competed in the 1929 National Air Races.[6] Female pilot Jessie "Chubbie" Keith-Miller won two transcontinental air races piloting an Alexander Bullet.[7]
Variants
- C1 Bullet
- Powered by a Wright J-6 Whirlwind
- C3 Bullet
- Powered by a Kinner K-5
- C7 Bullet
- Aerodynamically improved - ATC#318 issued on 6 May 1930.[8]
Specifications (C3 Bullet)
Data from Flying Magazine
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 3 passengers
- Wingspan: 38 ft 6 in (11.73 m)
- Fuel capacity: 40 U.S. gallons (150 L; 33 imp gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × Kinner K-5 radial engine, 100 hp (75 kW)
- Propellers: 2-bladed
Performance
- Maximum speed: 113 kn; 209 km/h (130 mph)
References
- ↑ Denver Posse. The Denver Westerners brand book. p. 246.
- ↑ Terry Gwynn-Jones. The air racers: aviation's golden era, 1909-1936. p. 185.
- ↑ Donald M. Pattillo. A History in the Making: 80 Turbulent Years in the American General Aviation Industry. p. 8.
- ↑ Flying Magazine: 108. August 1985.
- ↑ Aeronautics: 28. September 1929.
- ↑ Joseph P. Juptner. U.S. Civil Aircraft Series, Volume 8. p. 64.
- ↑ Colin Evans. A Question of Evidence: The Casebook of Great Forensic Controversies. p. 62.
- ↑ Joseph P. Juptner. U.S. civil aircraft, Volume 4. p. 65.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alexander Aircraft Company. |
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