Wittman Chief Oshkosh

Chief Oshkosh
Buster on display at the Air & Space Museum
Role	Racing aircraft
National origin	United States of America
Designer	Steve Wittman
First flight	1931
Introduction	1931

Chief Oshkosh a.k.a. Buster is a homebuilt racing plane designed to compete in the 1931 American Cirrus Races.

Steve Wittman started air racing in 1926 in various aircraft. In March 1931, he designed his own purpose built aircraft in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, "Chief Oshkosh". He was racing in Cleveland by August of the same year. His goal was to keep the plane light so that he could be the first to round a pylon and establish position.

The "Chief Oshkosh" racer was a mid-winged taildragger with undersized wheels and tires without brakes. The original was powered by an American Cirrus engine, the 1932 racer was outfitted with a 115 hp (86 kW) 349 Cubic inch Cirrus Hermes. In 1934, a smaller 16 ft (4.9 m) wing was fitted to the plane. In 1936 the plane was fitted with a Menasco CS-4 363 cubic inch engine and multiple leaf spring gear. The wing was also reduced again to 13 ft (4.0 m). In 1937, a single piece steel landing gear was used, becoming the standard on Cessna aircraft of the future.

In 1947 Chief Oshkosh was rebuilt with Wittman Flying Service pilot Bill Brennand to meet the new Professional Race Pilots Association midget racing standards. A Continental C-85 engine was installed and the cockpit was moved up one bay for balance. To meet rules, brakes were installed, but they were non-functional. The aircraft also had to be demonstrated in turns up to 9 gs. Brennand used Wittman's trick of tapping the accelerometer with his knuckles to get the desired reading. The first event was the Goodyear trophy races. "Chief Oshkosh" was renamed after a cartoon character "Buster".

After the July 4 race, Buster was given to the Smithsonian.

"Buster" a.k.a. "Chief Oshkosh" resides in the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C..

Data from Sport Aviation

General characteristics

Performance

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