The Thomas-Morse MB-6 was an American racing aircraft built by Thomas-Morse Aircraft for the US Army Air Service.
| MB-6 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Racing |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Thomas-Morse Aircraft |
| First flight | 21 October 1921[1] |
| Retired | 31 October 1924 |
| Primary user | US Army Air Service |
| Number built | 3 |
| Developed from | Thomas-Morse MB-3 |
Development and design
editAfter a Thomas-Morse MB-3 finished second[2] at the 1920 Pulitzer Trophy air race, the Army asked Thomas-Morse to build a new aircraft for the 1921 race. On 21 May 1921 they ordered three aircraft for $48,000 each. The MB-6 was a redesigned MB-3, with a reduced wingspan and 400 hp (300 kW) Wright H-2 engine. The three aircraft arrived for testing at McCook Field on 20 September 1921. The first one was for ground testing, the second one first flew on 21 October 1921. The third MB-6 crashed during a landing and was destroyed. [1]
Operational history
editThe MB-6 competed in the 1921 Pulitzer Trophy. Piloted by Lt. J.A. Mccready, it came in third behind two Curtiss aircraft, with a speed of 160.71 mph (258.64 km/h). The aircraft was given the military designation R-2 in 1922 and scrapped on 31 October 1924.[1]
Operators
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Specifications
editData from Angelucci, 1987. p. 422.[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m)
- Wingspan: 19 ft 0 in (5.79 m)
- Height: 7 ft 10 in (2.38 m)
- Wing area: 185 sq ft (14.68 m2)
- Gross weight: 2,033 lb (922 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Wright H-2 , 400 hp (300 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 160 mph (258 km/h, 140 kn)
References
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- Notes
- Bibliography
- Angelucci, Enzo (1987). The American Fighter from 1917 to the present. New York: Orion Books. ISBN 0-517-56588-9.
- Foxworth, Thomas (1989). The Speed Seekers. Somerset: Haynes Publishing. ISBN 0854297669.