|
Charles Hampson Grant designed a light fighter called the "Grant Fast Fighter" in 1917 while he was at Princeton University. The design was a susquiplane powered with a 150 Hisso (I think) and retractable gear. The design was presented to the Signal Corps, but was rejected since they were "busy" with other concerns. He later presented it to the French, but it was not pursued, other better designs using the Hisso were already in production. It's chief design innovation was the landing gear.
Charlie was an interesting character. He and brother Duncan built a glider in 1910 and flew it in Peru,Vt., thereby becoming the first aeronauts in Vermont.
He later attended PU, flew for a short time with the University sponsored flight school in 1917 and then dropped out to enlist. Later, he worked for Grover Loening, had a long career as a aircraft design engineer and worked on the Gordon Bennet racer RB-1 which had retractable gear, leading edge slats and flaps, all innovations for the time. I think a GA layout for the design was published in C&C (US) volume 9, but I could be wrong. I don't have them here at work !
I had the opportunity to talk with him many times in the early 1980's and interviewed him in 1984 (age 94!). He passed away that same year, but was sharp as a tack until then. He wife, who was 96 when I met her, lasted another 3 years.
Long reply - drop me your snail mail address if you want copy of the GA plans for the Grant Fighter.
__________________
New Jersey aircrew biographies - 30 years in the making - The final count looks like 752 (ha !) Just discovered a handful more by perusing the Royal Aero Club Certs.... this apparently will NEVER end...!.
Please visit: http://michaelonealaviationart.com & www.goldenageair.org
|
22 February 2002, 08:33 AM
Linear Mode
Similar Threads
