Dayton-Wright RB-1 Racer
Dayton-Wright · United States · first flew 1920 · light aircraft
The Dayton-Wright RB-1 Racer was a remarkably advanced American racing aircraft of 1920 that introduced variable-camber wings and a fully retractable undercarriage at a time when most aircraft still relied on fixed landing gear. It was designed to compete in the Gordon Bennett Trophy race.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.91 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Pioneer aircraft with variable-camber wings and retractable undercarriage in 1920
- High-wing monoplane built for the 1920 Gordon Bennett Trophy race
- First aircraft with a fully retractable undercarriage to race competitively
Distinctive high-wing monoplane of extremely compact proportions with a fully enclosed cockpit, an unusual pusher-type layout with the pilot seated well forward, and the hallmark variable-camber wing trailing edge.
Specifications
- The Dayton-Wright RB-1 Racer has a length of 6.91 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 6.45 m (21 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 306 km/h (190 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Built specifically for the 1920 Gordon Bennett Trophy race in France, the RB-1 was forced to retire with a rudder control problem while leading. Despite not finishing, its advanced features — including the retractable undercarriage and variable-camber wing — influenced subsequent aircraft design.
Variants
Only one aircraft was built; no variants or follow-on designs were produced.
Where you'll see it
A single racing aircraft operated privately; no military or commercial service.
Related aircraft
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