Operational History
Initial flight tests proved the aircraft required more rudder area to maintain stability and the fixed pitch proller needed to be adjusted to allow takeoffs under a mile in length.
- 1931 National Air Races piloted by Jimmy Doolittle wins the Bendix Trophy at a 223 mph average speed.
- 1931 Thompson Trophy - Trail runs proved difficult with aileron reversal occurring at speed. The main wing spar crushed from race loads and required steel patches. Doolittle drops out of the race with engine trouble due to a scuffed piston.
- 1931 In October, Doolittle flys the Super Solution on a flight between Ottawa,Ontario, Washington D.C., and Mexico City setting a new speed record between the Capitols of 12hr 36min.
- 1932 In August, the Shell Oil sponsored Solution is test flown by Doolittle with new retractable gear. The aircraft is damaged in a gear-up landing, and Doolittle switches to the Gee Bee R-1. The Solution is shipped to Shell Oil in St.Louis, then later donated to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum by the Swallow Aircraft Company in 1948.
Read more about this topic: Laird Super Solution
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