Thomas-Morse MB-6

MB-6

National origin: United States
Manufacturer: Thomas-Morse Aircraft
First flight: 21 October 1921
Retired: 31 October 1924
Primary user: US Army Air Service
Number built: 3
Unit cost: $48,000
Developed from: Thomas-Morse MB-3

The Thomas-Morse MB-6 was an American racing aircraft built by Thomas-Morse Aircraft for the US Army Air Service.

Development and design

After a Thomas-Morse MB-3 won the 1920 Pulitzer Trophy air race, the Army asked Thomas-Morse to built a new aircraft for the 1921 race. On 21 May 1921 they ordered three aircraft for $48,000 each. The MB-6 was a redesigned MB-3, with a reduced wingspan and 400 hp (300 kW) Wright H-2 angine. The three aircraft arrived for testing at McCook Field on 20 September 1921. The first one was for ground testing, the second one first flew on 21 October 1921. The third MB-6 crashed during a landing and was destroyed.

Operational history

The MB-6 competed in the 1921 Pulitzer Trophy. Piloted by Lt. J.A. Mccready, it came in third behind two Curtiss aircraft, with a speed of 160.71mph (258.64km/h). The aircraft was given the military designation R-2 in 1922 and scrapped on 31 October 1924.

Operators

United States

United States Army Air Service

Specifications

Data from Angelucci, 1987. p. 422.

General characteristics

Crew: 1
Length: 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m)
Wingspan: 19 ft 0 in (5.79 m)
Height: 7 ft 10 in (2.38 m)
Wing area: 185 ft² (14.68 m²)
Gross weight: 2,033 lb (922 kg)
Powerplant: 1 x— Wright H-2, 400 hp ( kW)

Performance

Maximum speed: 160 mph (258 km/h)

Bibliography

Angelucci, Enzo (1987). The American Fighter from 1917 to the present. New York: Orion Books. ISBN 0-517-56588-9.

Thomas-Morse MB-6 Pictures and Thomas-Morse MB-6 for Sale.

Living Warbirds: The best warbirds DVD series.

Source: WikiPedia