Hughes H-1

"Take a look at the May 2003 Edition of Air & Space, Smithsonian. It features a great article. Jim Wright has built a spectacular replica of the Hughes Racer, known as the H-1, 1B, or as Hughes preferred- simply the Racer. It was constructed in Cottage Grove, Oregon. The article lists the problems that the building team had to solve before the racer was to become airborne.

I have personally have heard it fly over my house in Eugene at least 4 times and have been quick enough only once to actually see it in flight. He flys in very low and very fast. But what a beauty and the sound of that twin-row 14 cylinder R-1535 Pratt and Whitney engine really stirs up your blood. It really is a great accomplishment and there are some great pictures along with the outstanding article. Oh did I mention it cost $1 million and 35,000 hours of labor. I'm sure it must have been a lobor of love.

Jim flew it at the 2002 Reno Air Races in Nevada last September and set a new speed record for its class."

----written by Mel Marcum, editor of the Eugene Prop Spinners newsletter.--------

transcribed by Floyd

I just learned that the Hughes H-1 replica suffered a landing accident at Cottage Grove Oregon. Seems that one landing gear collapsed. No details on the extent of damage.

Looks to be repaired and about to be test flown. Check the site below:

http://www.wrightools.com/hughes/the%20bear.htm

I was witness to many fights of the airplane at Reno last year including the record attempts. At high speed the propeller is very noisy indicating the prop tips are supersonic. Since the record they set was 304 mph the twist in the prop is not sufficient for flight at speeds the original attained, hopefully the new blades have enough twist to allow the airspeeds that near the 350 mark.
Chris...

The H-1 Racer is now airborne after some needed repairs from the landing incident. The new prop works great! We are planning to attempt to break our own 3km record this year near the place that Howard Hughes broke the record in Santa Ana. We plan on doing this on the anniversary of the original record, September 13, 2003.