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Wittman Special 20 "Buster", 1947. Creator: Steve Wittman
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Wittman Special 20 "Buster", 1947. Creator: Steve Wittman
Single-seat mid-wing monoplane racer; painted red overall. Wingspan: 4.59 m (15 ft. 1 in.); Length: 5.31 m (17 ft. 5 in.); Height: 1.22 m (4 ft.); Weight: 227 kg (500 lb.) empty; Engine: Continental 85 hp". The aircraft that enjoyed what was perhaps the longest and most sucessful career in air racing history was Steve Wittmans Chief Oshkosh, known in the post-World War II era as Buster. From 1931 until its retirement in 1954, this midget racer set records and took numerous trophies in class races and free-for-alls. Although Wittman was plagued with several problems in this, his first homebuilt racer, he placed high each year in major races in Los Angeles, Cleveland, Miami, and Chicago. In 1937, Chief Oshkosh set a new worlds record for its class over a 100-kilometer course at Detroit with a speed of 383.30 kilometers per hour (238.22 miles per hour)
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This print showcases the iconic Wittman Special 20 "Buster" from 1947, a single-seat mid-wing monoplane racer that was meticulously crafted by Steve Wittman himself. Painted in a striking red hue, this aircraft exudes power and speed. With a wingspan of 4.59 meters and a length of 5.31 meters, it is compact yet incredibly agile. The Buster holds an esteemed position in air racing history, boasting one of the longest and most successful careers in its field. From 1931 to its retirement in 1954, this midget racer shattered records and claimed numerous trophies in both class races and free-for-alls. Despite encountering several challenges during its early days as Wittman's first homebuilt racer, Buster consistently achieved high rankings at major races across Los Angeles, Cleveland, Miami, and Chicago. In fact, Chief Oshkosh (as Buster was known post-World War II) set an extraordinary world record for its class over a 100-kilometer course at Detroit in 1937 with an impressive speed of 383.30 kilometers per hour (238.22 miles per hour). This photograph captures not only the technological marvel that is the Wittman Special but also pays homage to the rich heritage of aviation during the forties era. Preserved within the National Air and Space Museum under the Smithsonian Institution's care, this piece represents innovation and passion for flight. Steve Wittman's craftsmanship shines through every inch of wood metal plastic used to construct this remarkable aircraft—a testament to his skill as an aviator and engineer alike.
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