| Chester Swee' Pea | |
|---|---|
| Role | Racing aircraft Type of aircraft |
| National origin | United States of America |
| Designer | Art Chester |
| First flight | 20 July 1947 |
| Number built | 3 |
TheSwee' Pea was a series of three midgetaircraft racers designed byArt Chester.[1]
The Swee' Pea was a racing aircraft to compete in the new midget racing class championed by race pilotArt Chester. The aircraft was the third design from Chester with aPopeye comic name.
The midget racer was required to have an engine less than 190 cubic inches in displacement at the time. The Swee' Pea shared a similar short,mid-wingtaildragger configuration with other midget racers. The aircraft was unique in that it used aV tail configuration and a single cooling air intake through a large hole in the center of the spinner.[2] The Fuselage is welded tube steel with plywood covered wings.
The Swee' Pea was introduced at the 1947National Air Races, but the V-Tail performed poorly at takeoff speed, and was replaced by a conventional tail for the 1948 Miami races. The top speed was reduced with a conventional tail, so the V-Tail was re-installed.
The Swee' Pea (now Sky Baby) was acquired by the Spirit of Flight Foundation museum in Nampa, ID and is currently on display with other Art Chester artifacts and photos.
Data from Sport Aviation
General characteristics
Performance
Related development
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