Heath Baby Bullet

Last updated
Baby Bullet
Heath Baby Bullet right side Aero Digest November 1928.jpg
Role Racing aircraft
National origin United States
Designer Edward Bayard Heath

The Heath Baby Bullet was a racing aircraft built during the interwar period.

Sometimes dubbed the Golden Age of Aviation, the period in the history of aviation between the end of World War I (1918) and the beginning of World War II (1939) was characterised by a progressive change from the slow wood-and-fabric biplanes of World War I to fast, streamlined metal monoplanes, creating a revolution in both commercial and military aviation. By the outbreak of World War II in 1939 the biplane was all but obsolete. This revolution was made possible by the continuing development of lightweight aero engines of increasing power. The jet engine also began development during the 1930s but would not see operational use until later.

Contents

Design and development

The Baby Bullet started as a single place, mid-winged, open cockpit, conventional landing gear equipped aircraft. A Bristol Cherub engine was first used, followed by a Continental A-40. [1]

Conventional landing gear aircraft undercarriage arrangement with main gear forward plus tail support

Conventional landing gear, or tailwheel-type landing gear, is an aircraft undercarriage consisting of two main wheels forward of the center of gravity and a small wheel or skid to support the tail. The term taildragger is also used, although some claim it should apply only to those aircraft with a tailskid rather than a wheel.

Bristol Cherub

The Bristol Cherub is a British two-cylinder, air-cooled, aircraft engine designed and built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company. Introduced in 1923 it was a popular engine for ultralight and small aircraft in the 1930s.

Operational history

National Air Races

The National Air Races are a series of pylon and cross-country races that took place in the United States since 1920. The science of aviation, and the speed and reliability of aircraft and engines grew rapidly during this period; the National Air Races were both a proving ground and showcase for this.

Variants

Specifications (Baby Bullet)

Data from History's Most Important Racing Aircraft

General characteristics

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 140 mph (225 km/h; 122 kn)

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References

  1. Don Berliner. History's Most Important Racing Aircraft. p. 62.
  2. Harold Mills. Hangar Sweepings: Reflections of an Airport Bum. p. 116.