marine air wrote:
I think the era of unlimited air racing is approaching an eventual conclusion. I'm more interested in seeing the racers for their history than their actual race performance. I wish "Galloping Ghost" had been saved as a piece of history rather than risked in the Unlimited Gold Class Race. Mr. Leeward was also a super neat guy to talk with.
That being said, maybe there is financial energy in the cosmos somewhere to build up one more unlimited piston racer type aircraft.An aircraft that would set all the piston records once and for all. My suggestion would be a P-51A fuselage with redeisgned canopy and glass. P-51H tail except with a moving horizontal from an F-86, Citation, or some other small jet. Wings P-51H but lightened and maybe update the airfoil and shorten, but add winglets. Scratch built landing gear and other components. Engine, well there are many fine Merlin and Griffon variants that would be acceptable. Prop blades experimental of course.
My guess is that what keeps the Mustang racers from going any faster is the wing airfoil , the high drag wing root areas, and the fixed horizontal stabilizer.
I got a couple flights in a Piaggio P180 last year. An amazing prop driven aircraft with only 1600 pounds of thrust. I suggest they look at it's airfoil, and other aerodynamics.
I hate to admit it, but I think you are correct. I don't see Air Racing lasting longer than another 5 to 7 years at the most in Reno. Unless RARA is able to secure more sponsorship and/or is able to garner more attention from Unlimited race owners, I see it on the decline. The city of Reno is apathetic about air racing. This is evident through their lack of financial support/sponsorship.
Next year, the only "fast" Unlimited Gold that might race would be Strega. Some of the Unlimited Gold racers who no longer compete:
- Voodoo
- Rare Bear
- Dago Red
- Czech Mate
Strega is an unknown at this point. Tiger has threatened retirement many times before. Fortunately for us, he is still racing Strega.
Even if Strega continues racing, it is still some 50-60 mph or so faster than the next contender. With no competition, interest will wane, imo.
I hope I'm wrong.