Wittman V-Witt

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V-Witt
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[edit]

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[edit]

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)[edit]

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[edit]

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References[edit]

Notes[edit]

  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. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. ^ Don Berliner (Dec 1970). "WITTMAN FORMULA V FLIES!". Sport Aviation.
  4. ^ Jack Cox (Mar 1970). "Wittman Formula V Racer Progress Report". Sport Aviation.