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Formula 1 air racing is what I think the most exciting form of air racing. Formerly called midgets the Formula 1 aircraft of today weigh about five-hundred pounds have a Continental O- 200 engine. They usually reach speeds of 250 knots. Before I get into the high tech machines of today I will discuss some of the history of air racing and how it branch off to formula 1. Before world war II racing aircraft were all original designs that greatly advanced the field of aeronautics. The aircraft used in racing usually outperformed military aircraft.
Aerodynamic innovations like the monoplane designs vs. the traditional biplanes and the use of light weight metals instead of wood really advanced the aircraft. After the war however a surplus of high powered mass production aircraft (P- 51 -P 39) existed which were introduced into air racing by rich people. Racing enthusiasts with less wealth insisted that these aircraft were not in the spirit of the sport. They argued that money used to acquire speed rather than aerodynamic and engine innovations hurt the whole aeronautical industry. This lead to the midget class or formula 1 to surface.
The initial rules were that the aircraft had to have a wing area of sixty-six square feet, fixed pitch propellers, 5. 00 x 5 in. wheels, fifteen gallons fuel capacity, and the engine was limited to 190 cubic inches. The aircraft also have to have good visibility and weigh at least five-hundred pounds. These rules forced the pilots to concentrate on reducing weight and drag. Sponsorship was initially contributed by Goodyear tire co. The first completion for midget class was held in Cleveland in 1947 during the Labor Day National Air Races.
Thirteen aircraft competed in this first event. By 1949 the field had expanded to twenty-five competitors for a purse of 25, 000 (spread among the heat and championship racers). Unfortunately a fiery crash involving a P- 51 and a house that killed a young housewife and her baby almost killed air racing. In the 1950 's and early 60 's there were a few multi-class air races in Detroit, Miami, San Jose, and Chattanooga. In 1964 multi-class air racing finally resumed in Reno Nevada at the sky Ranch airport. But in 1966 they were moved to the Stead Air Force Base for a more remote location to ensure the safety of non-participants.
The most significant change since then to the formula 1 racers was in 1968 when 200 cubic inch engines were allowed. Formula 1 racers have continued to evolve reflecting the spirit in which the class was formed. Radical designs like the Miller special pusher configuration and the all composite Nemesis demonstrate that hard working innovative people can still set standards for the industry. Now that we know the history of the formula 1 racers and how they evolved to todays machines the next step is getting them to the race. Most of the successful racers are trailer to the race. Fling them to the races proves to be impractical because the fuel capacity is between five and ten gallons and the cockpits are cramped.
Once you finally get to the race site it i not time to bolt on the wings and qualify yet. Prior to each competition all aircraft and engines are given a cursory inspection by dedicated teams to ensure that no gross rules violations or safety defects are evident. The airframe is checked for proper control operation, visibility, weight and balance, proper wheel / brake condition, fuel capacity and all paperwork logbooks needed to satisfy the FAA. Your Race License and BFR medical currency are also checked by a formula 1 member prior to the final FAA check. The next step is to quality what you have to do is fly two timed laps the best of the two constitutes your time. If during the two laps you wish to abort the attempt simply pull up off the course and try again later.
Once you have taken a time however you cannot take another one. There are six qualifying periods of approximately one hour each prior to the Reno event. The twenty-four fastest planes are permitted to race for the prize money. The others can either stick around as alternates or pack up and go home to the drawing boards for next time. OK, it is finally time to race. The twenty-four fastest planes are seperated into three groups of eight based on qualifying speeds.
Each group then races three times with the parings changing each time based on finish position. The first two races are called heats and pay very little money but determine your position for the third race. in the third and final race what place you finish in is what determines how much prize money you get. In each of the actual races the planes are positioned for a simultaneous start.
The planes are in three rows three in the front two in the middle and three in the back. The planes are placed pretty far apart too the poor pilots in the back are at a 150 yard disadvantage. Racers are then given a five minute warning before the start via a red flag. Ground crew then start the engines and assist the pilot with belts, helmets, gloves, and canopy.
The crew also holds the airplanes back during warm up to relive the pilot's legs from fatigue At one minute the ground crew must leave the launch area and wait. At ten seconds before launch a green flag is raised and each pilot puts the throttle wide open. As the flag is dropped the brakes are released and the race is on. The first lap is called the scattered lap because at some sites you must first fly around a scatter pylon before joining the course.
Unlike auto races where in a pace lap the starting grid is held, formula 1 racing begins with the drop of the green flag. The racer's position starts changing immediately. Each airplanes time starts when the first racer completes the scatter lap. Throughout the race which is typically eight laps around a three mile oval course you pass other aircraft as long as you keep them in site at all times. Passing high on the outside is the performed method.
Fling is done any where from sixty feet to two-hundred feet above ground level. The six pylons appear as fifty-five gallons drums on top of telephone poles and anytime a portion of your aircraft Bibliography:
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Research essay sample on Formula 1 Air Racing
