1932 Gee Bee R-2 Replica: Delmar Benjamin :: 1996 Cleveland National Air Show

[usmctanks1]

I think Kermit weeks has/had solved the problem of the wing flutter (that killed two pilots) and found it now (with the new mods) capable of perhaps exceeding 300mph. I read this on his website. I know it is a replica, but is airworthy. He realized that there were no wind tunnels to test this. Although the Gee Bee was highly stressed and the Granville brothers were excellent aircraft engineers.

[BradOShizno]

It also has a stall speed of 100MPH... it was an extremely dangerous airplane

[riogranderailfan]

@BradOShizno 90 mph actually

[BradOShizno]

@riogranderailfan - the one that Delmar flies does... but the original GEE BEE had a stall speed of 101 mph. The one Delmar flies is modified with a slight longer body and steadier wings.

[bassabassaful]

how much does that weigh? what engine?

[MrSHiNFORCE]

@bassabassaful The R-2 specs according to "golden age of aviation . org": empty weight 1,796 lbs, gross weight 3,883 lbs, engine Pratt & Whitney R985 @ 535hp -- originally built to race in the 1932 Cleveland Air Races.