Chester Jeep
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Chester Jeep | |
|---|---|
![](#/media/File:Chester_Special_1_'The_"Jeep"'_(NR12930,_cn_1)_(7-29-2023).jpg) The Chester Jeep on display | |
| General information | |
| Type | Air racer |
| National origin | United States of America |
| Designer | |
| Number built | 1 |
| History | |
| Introduction date | 1932 |
The Chester Jeep aka the Chester Special #1 is an air racer built by Art Chester for the 1932 National Air Races. The aircraft once held the world's speed record for aircraft at 237 mph (381 km/h).[1]
The Chester Jeep was named after "Eugene the Jeep" from the Popeye comics of the time.[2] Chester created a compact airframe in order to maximize speed from a small engine. Art Chester later designed the nose and cowling of the P-51 fighter for North American Aviation.[3]
The Jeep was a mid-wing taildragger racer using a Menasco engine. The wings were supported with small struts. The Jeep was modified with a new prop, spinner and less sharp angles for the 1934 National Air Races. The aircraft's wings were removed and reinstalled for trailering to air events.[4] In 1947 the aircraft was retrofitted ("butchered" by some)[5] with an 85 hp (63 kW) engine to meet the power requirement for the Goodyear races.[6]
Operational history
The green and cream colored aircraft was intended to compete in the 1932 National Air Races, but was finished too late. It saw its first race in 1933.
- 1933 National Air Races - 375 Cubic inch class - placed first once, and fourth four other times with a top speed of 154.365 mph (248 km/h)
- 1933 Chicago - 375 Cubic inch class placed first four times, 1000 Cubic inch class placed second, 550 Cubic inch class placed third twice with a top speed of 190.95 mph (307 km/h)
- 1934 Shell speed dash - top speed of 229.72 mph (370 km/h).
- 1934 National Air Races - Cleveland, Ohio 375 Cubic inch class - placed second four times, in the 550 Cubic inch class placed Third twice, and fourth and fifth once.
- 1935 National Air Races - 375 Cubic inch class - placed first twice, in the 550 Cubic inch class placed third once and fourth once.
- 1935 Miami Air Races - Placed first once, and second once.
- 1936 National Air Races - First time racing under the name "Jeep". 375 Cubic inch class - placed second three times. Placed third in one 550 Cubic inch race.
- 1938 Golden Gate International Exhibition race - placed last against aircraft with over 1000 hp in the field.[7] Chester sells the Jeep to start on a new design, the "Goon".
- 1939 National Air Races - New owner Tom Stauch did not file correct paperwork to fly.
- 1947 Goodyear Races re-engined for Formula One Air Racing. Piloted by Bill Falck.
- 1948 Cleveland Air Races
In 1977 the aircraft was donated to the EAA Airventure Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin where it is now restored.
