Engineering:Wittman V-Witt

From HandWiki
V-Witt
Witts V.jpg
Witts V on display
Role Formula V Racer
National origin United States
Manufacturer Steve Wittman
Designer Steve Wittman
First flight October 28, 1970
Introduction 1970
Primary user Air racer

The Wittman V-Witt also called Witts V and Witt's Vee[1] is single-engine tube-and-fabric construction aircraft specifically made for Formula V Air Racing.

Design

The aircraft is made of welded steel tube fuselage with fabric covering. The thin-profile wings are wire-supported. The engine requires a 12-inch extension to mount the propeller ahead of a streamlined cowling.[2]

Operational history

The Witts V was flown in races and demonstrations from 1972 through 1981.

The prototype aircraft is on display at the EAA Airventure Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Specifications (Wittman V-Witt)

Data from Berliner[3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 18 ft 2 in (5.54 m)
  • Wingspan: 17 ft 6 in (5.33 m)
  • Height: 4 ft 2 in (1.27 m)
  • Wing area: 75 sq ft (7.0 m2) (original square tips)[4]
  • Empty weight: 430 lb (195 kg)
  • Gross weight: 700 lb (318 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 10.25 gallons
  • Powerplant: 1 × 1600 Volkswagen air-cooled engine

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 143 kn (165 mph, 266 km/h)
  • Stall speed: 40 kn (46 mph, 74 km/h)
  • Range: 350 nmi (400 mi, 640 km)
  • Service ceiling: 15,000 ft (4,600 m)

Triangular wing tips brought the span to 20 ft.(EAA Museum web site)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

Notes

  1. Plane and Pilot: 1978 Aircraft Directory, page 160. Werner & Werner Corp, Santa Monica CA, 1977. ISBN:0-918312-00-0
  2. Air Trails: 11. Winter 1971. 
  3. Don Berliner (Dec 1970). "WITTMAN FORMULA V FLIES!". Sport Aviation. 
  4. Jack Cox (Mar 1970). "Wittman Formula V Racer Progress Report". Sport Aviation.