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FG-1D Corsair ‘Race 94’ BuNo 92050/N194G
Constructed as a FG-1D by Goodyear. 12 May 1945
Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Navy with BuNo 92050.
From 1945 to 1954
Served in several units stateside until 1954.
Transferred to NAAF Salem 9 September 1954
Struck off Strength/Charge from the United States Navy.
SOC at NAS Minneapolis.
Jim Colbern.
To Aero Enterprises Inc La Porte, IN with new c/r N6604C.1963
To Robert Mitchum, Broomfield CO keeping c/r N6604C.From 20 September 1967 to 24 September 1967
Raced as 94.
On arrival at the Reno-Stead Airport after a flight from Colorado the R-2800 blew out two cylinders. The aircraft was landed safely, but the left tire blew out on rollout. Appeared at the National Championship Air Races to compete in the Unlimited class, but did not qualify. The primary pilot was Bob Mitchem. Repairs could not be made in time for qualifications, in fact it was three years before the airframe was able to return to Reno. Notes: Bob Mitchem made a spectacular arrival at the 1967 Reno Air Races with his Corsair. The airplane suffered a blown engine on final approach which meant no competition in 1967. It would not return until 1970.20 September 1970
Raced as #94, named Big Hummer.
There were extensive engine and airframe modifications including sealing the flaps and smoothing the upper and lower surfaces of the wing? wing span shortened 20-inches by removing tips? wing root carburetor ducts faired over? ram air carburetor inlet installed on top of engine cowl? cowl flaps removed and replaced with cowl fairing; A-1 Skyraider propeller. P-51H spinner. When Bob Mitchem brought his modified Corsair to the 1970 Reno National Championship Air Races, the racer featured several new innovations. A huge A-1 Skyraider propeller was attached to a much modified Pratt and Whitney R-2800. Ram air induction was provided for the engine by means of a cowl-top air scoop similar to the installations used on Cook Clelands F2G-1 racers of Thompson Trophy fame. The normal wing root carburetor inlets were neatly covered. The landing flaps were secured in the up position and the flap hinge line gaps were sealed and faired to form a smooth surface. Extensive surface smoothing was performed on the outboard wing panels. The big Corsair was an impressive looking racer. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Robert Mitchem. Qualified in 7th place with an average speed of 362.99 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 344.40 mph. Raced in the Reserve race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 357.95 mph.
From 21 September 1971 to 26 September 1971
Raced as #94, named Big Hummer.
Appeared at the National Championship Air Races to compete in the Unlimited class, but did not qualify. The primary pilot was Robert Mitchem. Posted a qualifying speed, but was guilty of pylon cuts on the attempt. There was no time left in the qualification period for him to be re-qualified, thus, he was out of the competition.
From 1 January 1972 to 1 January 1972
Raced as #94.
Competed at the Miami International Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Robert Mitchem. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 341.985 mph.
From 12 September 1972 to 17 September 1972
Raced 94.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Robert Mitchem. Qualified in 25th place with an average speed of 367.50 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 363.09 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 341.99 mph
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