Wedell-Williams Model 44

The Wedell-Williams Model 44 was a racing aircraft, four examples of which were built in the United States in the early 1930s. 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.

Specifications (Model 44)

General characteristics

• Crew: One pilot
• Length: 24 ft 6 in (7.47 m)
• Wingspan: 26 ft 0 in (7.93 m)
• Height: ft in (m)
• Wing area: ft² (m²)
• Empty weight: 2,492 lb (1,133 kg)
• Loaded weight: 3,892 lb (1,769 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: lb (kg)
• Powerplant: 1× Pratt & Whitney R-1690 , 1,020 hp (760 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 316.55 mph (472 km/h)
• Range: 900 miles (km)
• Service ceiling: 14,000 ft (m)
• Rate of climb: ft/min (m/min)
• Wing loading: lb/ft² (kg/m²)
• Power/mass: 0.26 hp/lb (0.43 kW/kg)

External links

• Photos of the Model 44 - Louisiana State Museum

See also

Related development
Wedell-Williams Model 45 - Wedell-Williams XP-34

Designation sequence
Model 44 - Model 45

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Wedell-Williams Model 44".