The Hughes H-1 racer, designed by Howard Hughes and Richard Palmer and built by Glenn Odekirk, was developed to be the fastest landplane in the world. On September 13, 1935, Hughes achieved this design goal by flying the H-1 to a new world speed record of 567 kilometers (352 miles) per hour at Santa Ana, California. Also known as the Hughes 1B, the H-1 was designed with two sets of wings: a short set with a span of 7.6 meters (25 feet) for speed record flight, and a long set with a span of 9.2 meters (31 feet, 9 inches) for transcontinental flight. The aircraft as it is exhibited here is equipped with the long set.

Hughes broke the transcontinental U.S. speed record in the H-l on January 19, 1937, flying from Los Angeles to Newark, New Jersey, in 7 hours, 28 minutes, and 25 seconds. His average speed for the 4,000-kilometer (2,490-mile) flight was 535 kilometers (332 miles) per hour.

Display Status

This object is on display in Aerobatic Flight at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Aerobatic Flight

Panoramas

Object Details

Key Accomplishment(s)

Record-Setting Landplane

Brief Description

The Hughes H-1 racer was the fastest landplane in the world. On September 13, 1935, Howard Hughes flew the H-1 to a world speed record of 567 km/hr (352 mph) at Santa Ana, California. Hughes also broke the transcontinental speed record in the H-1 in 1937.

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

CRAFT-Aircraft

Manufacturer

Hughes Aircraft Co.

Model

Hughes Aircraft Co.

Physical Description

Experimental, single engine, monoplane for air racing; wood wings with blue paint; yellow markings; bare aluminum fuselage.

Dimensions

length: 339 in, wingspan: 396 in as displayed
Other: 381in. (967.8cm)

Alternate Name

Hughes H-1 Racer

Inventory Number

A19750840000

Credit Line

Gift of the Summa Corp.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Open Access (CCO)
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.

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