The Vincent Bendix Trophy transcontinental race was established in 1931 to encourage experimental work in connection with increased speed in the field of aviation. The advancements made for the competition had a direct impact on the future of commercial aviation.
Air races began to lose much of their appeal after the Golden Age of Air Racing, as many high-performance aircraft were owned by the government and the military tested them in private.
Gift of the Clifford W. Henderson Family Trust
Recipients
1931Maj. James H. Doolittle
1932Capt. James H. Haizlip
1933Roscoe Turner
1934Douglas Davis
1935Ben O. Howard
1936Louise Thaden and Blanche Noyes
1937Frank W. Fuller Jr.
1938Jacqueline Cochran
1939Frank W. Fuller Jr.
1940-45 No award
1946Paul Mantz, Jacqueline Cochran, and Col. Leon W. Gray
1947Paul Mantz, Jane Page, Col. Leon W. Gray, and Maj. Clay M. Albright
1948Paul Mantz, Jacqueline Cochran, and Ensign R. E. Brown
1949Joe DeBona and Maj. Vernon A. Ford
1950No award
1951Col. Keith K. Compton
1952No award
1953Maj. William T. Whisner Jr.
1954Capt. Edward W. Kenny
1955Col. Carlos M. Talbott
1956Capt. Manuel J. Fernandez Jr.
1957Capt. Kenneth D. Chandler
1958-60 No award
1961Lt. Richard F. Gordon and Lt. j.g. Bobbie R. Young
1962Capt. Robert G. Sowers, Capt. Robert MacDonald, and Capt. John T. Walton
Display Status
This object is on display in Nation of Speed at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Date
1931-1962
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
AWARDS-Trophies
Sculptor
Walter A. Sinz
Physical Description
The Vincent Bendix Trophy was sculpted by Walter A. Sinz and is a cast bronze depiction of winged figures on either side of a globe suspended over the base by a wave-shaped pedestal. An aircraft is suspended over the top of the trophy, that appears to be taking off from the globe. On the base of the trophy are plaques commemorating the individual winners with engraved text, and embossed text of the race title.
Dimensions
3-D: 80 x 25.4 x 81.3cm (31 1/2 x 10 x 32 in.)
Materials
Overall: Bronze
Inventory Number
A19850368000
Credit Line
Donated by the Clifford W. Henderson Family Trust
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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