fsxar177
Long-Time Enthusiast
If you don't like civilian Corsair's, look no further...
The 3rd inclusion to the upcoming expansion pack for the Aircraft Factory F4U Corsair:
FG-1D N194G - "Big Hummer" race #94, Robert Mitchem
What became the worlds fastest Goodyear built -1 Corsair, never was much to look at! Robert Mitchem, of Broomfield, Colorado (not California as printed elsewhere). purchased the aircraft, sometime in '63. He began to modify the aircraft, extensively for pylon racing sometime thereafter. He first attempted to race in 1967, but upon approach into Stead, the engine began tearing itself apart inside. With two broke rods, Bob made an exotic emergency landing at Reno. He wouldn't return the aircraft to Reno again until 1970, when the aircraft would sport some interesting modifications. The biggest notice was, the 'scoop' on the top of the cowling, which provoked un-educated spectators to begin questioning Bob, if he had put a '3350' engine into the aircraft. Bob, being sarcastic by nature, would say..."Sure...but keep it a secret!" He loved to play on this, and would tell fans that the beast under the cowling was indeed a Wright R-3350. (Which until this day, has never been installed in any Corsair, anywhere). In is unsure how the myth stuck so well, but even now it is published as fact that N194G sported a R-3350! In fact, the reason for the scoop was because Mitchem had in fact installed a P&W CB-17 from a DC-6B (Rated at 2,500hp!). This engine utilized the downdraft carburetor, this the need for the different intake setup. In '70, Mitchem would qualify at 362.989mph, respectable, and good enough for 7th place. He would get 4th in his first heat race, and later 3rd in the Silver Consolation, behind a Hawker Sea Fury, and a Bearcat!
Bob would return in '71, however during a late qualifying run, he cut a pylon, and did not have enough time to re-qualify. Reno 1972 would be the highlight year for Mitchem and "Big Hummer", as he would qualify 7th place at 367.500mph, and finish 5th in the Championship at over 341mph.
Modifications to race $94 included the CB-17 engine, fitted with an oil cooler from a R-4360, and cooled spray bar supplied by a 100 gallon tank. The 2,500hp engine turned a Skyraider propeller, with a spinner from a P-51H. The wings were significantly clipped, and wing area surfaces metalized. The wing retraction system was removed, and the flaps sealed. The end result still wasn't pretty, but you gotta hand it to Bob for starting a legend!
James Axtell would purchase the aircraft in the late 70's. Axtell would perform several other changes and modifications to the aircraft, which would never see the race scene. The aircraft went on loan to the 'Wings of the Rockies' air museum, where it was stored for many years.. In January the Warbird Heritage Foundation announced that they had acquired the aircraft, and had it moved. The airplane was disassembled in Denver and transported to Tab-Air, of East Troy, Wisconsin, where it will undergo a full restoration to air-worthy. It is expected that we'll once again see this FG-1D, but in historic military glory!
Represented in FSX, 'Big Hummer' appears as she did in 1972, only in stock FG-1D fashion. Stay tuned...
- Joseph
The 3rd inclusion to the upcoming expansion pack for the Aircraft Factory F4U Corsair:
FG-1D N194G - "Big Hummer" race #94, Robert Mitchem
What became the worlds fastest Goodyear built -1 Corsair, never was much to look at! Robert Mitchem, of Broomfield, Colorado (not California as printed elsewhere). purchased the aircraft, sometime in '63. He began to modify the aircraft, extensively for pylon racing sometime thereafter. He first attempted to race in 1967, but upon approach into Stead, the engine began tearing itself apart inside. With two broke rods, Bob made an exotic emergency landing at Reno. He wouldn't return the aircraft to Reno again until 1970, when the aircraft would sport some interesting modifications. The biggest notice was, the 'scoop' on the top of the cowling, which provoked un-educated spectators to begin questioning Bob, if he had put a '3350' engine into the aircraft. Bob, being sarcastic by nature, would say..."Sure...but keep it a secret!" He loved to play on this, and would tell fans that the beast under the cowling was indeed a Wright R-3350. (Which until this day, has never been installed in any Corsair, anywhere). In is unsure how the myth stuck so well, but even now it is published as fact that N194G sported a R-3350! In fact, the reason for the scoop was because Mitchem had in fact installed a P&W CB-17 from a DC-6B (Rated at 2,500hp!). This engine utilized the downdraft carburetor, this the need for the different intake setup. In '70, Mitchem would qualify at 362.989mph, respectable, and good enough for 7th place. He would get 4th in his first heat race, and later 3rd in the Silver Consolation, behind a Hawker Sea Fury, and a Bearcat!
Bob would return in '71, however during a late qualifying run, he cut a pylon, and did not have enough time to re-qualify. Reno 1972 would be the highlight year for Mitchem and "Big Hummer", as he would qualify 7th place at 367.500mph, and finish 5th in the Championship at over 341mph.
Modifications to race $94 included the CB-17 engine, fitted with an oil cooler from a R-4360, and cooled spray bar supplied by a 100 gallon tank. The 2,500hp engine turned a Skyraider propeller, with a spinner from a P-51H. The wings were significantly clipped, and wing area surfaces metalized. The wing retraction system was removed, and the flaps sealed. The end result still wasn't pretty, but you gotta hand it to Bob for starting a legend!
James Axtell would purchase the aircraft in the late 70's. Axtell would perform several other changes and modifications to the aircraft, which would never see the race scene. The aircraft went on loan to the 'Wings of the Rockies' air museum, where it was stored for many years.. In January the Warbird Heritage Foundation announced that they had acquired the aircraft, and had it moved. The airplane was disassembled in Denver and transported to Tab-Air, of East Troy, Wisconsin, where it will undergo a full restoration to air-worthy. It is expected that we'll once again see this FG-1D, but in historic military glory!
Represented in FSX, 'Big Hummer' appears as she did in 1972, only in stock FG-1D fashion. Stay tuned...
- Joseph
for good job of the textures.