Wedell-Williams Model 44
Wedell-Williams Air Service · United States · first flew 1930 · light aircraft
The Wedell-Williams Model 44 was one of the premier American air racing aircraft of the early 1930s, achieving remarkable speeds through its clean aerodynamic design and powerful radial engine. It dominated the Thompson Trophy races and established several speed records.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Streamlined short fuselage optimised for speed |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- American air racer with narrow tapered low wing and radial engine
- Streamlined short fuselage optimised for speed
- Dominant performer at National Air Races in the early 1930s
The extremely narrow fuselage, short tapered low wing, large cowled radial engine, and fixed spatted undercarriage are the hallmarks of 1930s American racing designs; the Wedell-Williams types are among the most aerodynamically refined of the genre.
Specifications
- The Wedell-Williams Model 44 has a length of 7.01 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8 m (26 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 523 km/h (325 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by James Wedell and built by the Wedell-Williams Air Service of Louisiana, the Model 44 and its siblings were the aircraft to beat at the National Air Races in the early 1930s. James Wedell won the Thompson Trophy in 1932 and 1933 flying variants of this design. Tragically, Wedell died in a training accident in 1934, ending the racing programme.
Variants
Several closely related racing aircraft were built by Wedell-Williams, numbered differently (44, 45, 92); they shared the same basic design philosophy of minimising cross-section and drag.
Where you'll see it
The Model 44 served purely as a racing aircraft; several were later sold to private owners and some survived the racing era into the late 1930s.
Related aircraft
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