Jacqueline Cochran was the only woman to compete in the Bendix race in 1937. By 1938, she had won the Bendix and had set speed as well as altitude records. Cochran is credited with many firsts: first woman to break the sound barrier, first woman to fly a jet across the ocean, first woman to fly a bomber across the Atlantic, first pilot to fly above 20,000 feet with an oxygen mask and the first woman to land and take off from an aircraft carrier. At the time of her death in 1980, Cochran held more speed, distance or altitude records than any other pilot.
Display Status
This object is on display in Nation of Speed at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Date
1938
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
AWARDS-Trophies
Physical Description
The Bendix Trophy is brass, painted gold of an aircraft, two figures and a globe suspended at the crest of a wave which is mounted on a pedestal. The base of the trophy has both embossed text reading "Vincent Bendix Trophy" and an engraved nameplate.
Dimensions
3-D: 29.8 × 12.7 × 35.6cm, 4kg (11 3/4 in. × 5 in. × 1 ft. 2 in., 8.8lb.)
Materials
Brass, Paint, Preservative coating
Inventory Number
A19600132000
Credit Line
Donated by Jaqueline Cochran
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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