Thomas-Morse MB-6

MB-6
Role	Racing
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Thomas-Morse Aircraft
First flight	21 October 1921[1]
Retired	31 October 1924
Primary user	US Army Air Service
Number built	3
Unit cost	$48,000[1]
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 finished second^[2] at the 1920 Pulitzer Trophy air race, the Army asked Thomas-Morse to build 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 engine. 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. ^[1]

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 160.71 mph (258.64 km/h). The aircraft was given the military designation R-2 in 1922 and scrapped on 31 October 1924.^[1]

Operators

 United States

• United States Army Air Service

Specifications

Data from Angelucci, 1987. p. 422.^[1]

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 × Wright H-2, 400 hp ( kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 160 mph (258 km/h)

References

Notes

1. Angelucci, 1987. p. 422.
2. Foxworth, 1989. p. 261.

Bibliography

• Angelucci, Enzo (1987). The American Fighter from 1917 to the present. New York: Orion Books. ISBN 0-517-56588-9.
• Foxworth, Thomas (1989). The Speed Seekers. Somerset: Haynes Publishing. ISBN 0854297669.