alwilliams

The one-of-a-kind Gulfhawk was flown from 1930 to 1936 by Al Williams, former chief test pilot for the U.S. Navy and famous aerobatic pilot. Originally built by Curtiss as a Hawk I export demonstrator with a Curtiss D-12 liquid-cooled engine, it was converted to a Hawk 1A with a Wright Cyclone air-cooled radial engine, then further modified by Williams several times. He flew the Gulfhawk in military and public air shows to promote military aviation during the inter-war years, when aviation budgets were low. By 1933, Williams managed and flew for the aviation department of Gulf Oil Company, which painted the Gulfhawk in its familiar color scheme of orange with white and blue trim. After Williams' death, movie stunt pilot Frank Tallman restored and flew the airplane and displayed it between shows at the Tallmantz Movieland of the Air Museum airandspace.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?object=nasm_A...

This is a photo of the Kirkham-Williams Racer (a.k.a. "Kirkham-Williams X"), powered by the 24-cylinder X-configuration Packard X-2775 (Packard 1A-2775). See: www.air-racing-history.com/aircraft/Kirkham-Williams%20Ra... A 1927 private seaplane venture by engine manufacturer Kirkham and then-Navy Lt. Al Williams, with support by Packard Motors, for the Schneider Trophy Race prize of $100,000. All-wood construction, powered by two 625hp Packard V-1500s mounted in a common crankcase to form an impressive four-bank, 24-cylinder, X-shape motor — hence the model designation. Originally on twin pontoons, money ran out during the testing stage and the plane never made it to the starting gate at Venice, Italy. It was converted to wheels, however, and later set an unofficial world speed record of 322.6 mph. See also: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packard_X-2775

Isn't that (US Navy pilot and air racer) Al Williams at left?

bryanewyatt It certainly is, thanks!

Good photo, Mr. Doolittle is a big American Hero Boa foto Bună fotografie Hình ảnh tốt Bella foto