Alexander Eaglerock Bullet

The Bullet Monoplane or Alexander Eaglerock Bullet was a low wing cabin monoplane that was a departure from traditional biplane aircraft of the era.

Bullet Monoplane
Role Cabin monoplane
National origin United States
Manufacturer Alexander Aircraft Company
Designer Albert Mooney
First flight February 1929
Introduction 1929
Number built 11

Design and development

The Bullet was built at the beginning of the Great Depression. Company owner J Don Alexander said he was inspired by ducks tucking in their legs to build a retractable landing gear-equipped aircraft.[1] The aircraft experienced stability problems in spin testing, killing two pilots.[2] Few orders were delivered.[3]

The Bullet was a low wing, cabin aircraft with retractable conventional landing gear.[4] The fuselage was constructed with welded steel tubing and the wings were constructed with wooden spars and ribs, both with aircraft fabric covering.[5]

Operational history

An Alexander Eaglerock Bullet competed in the 1929 National Air Races.[6] Female pilot Jessie "Chubbie" Keith-Miller won two transcontinental air races piloting an Alexander Eaglerock Bullet.[7]

Variants

Data from: Aerofiles[8]

Eaglerock Bullet C-1
Powered by a Wright J-6 Whirlwind
Eaglerock Bullet C-3
Powered by a Kinner K-5
Eaglerock Bullet C-4
Powered by a 165 hp (123 kW) Wright J-6 5-cylinder radial (optional 165 hp (123 kW) Comet 7-E or 150 hp (112 kW) Axelson-Floco B)
Eaglerock Bullet C-5
Powered by a 165 hp (123 kW) Wright J-6 5-cylinder radial (optional 165 hp (123 kW) Comet 7-E or 150 hp (112 kW) Axelson-Floco B)
Eaglerock Bullet C-7
Aerodynamically improved - ATC#318 issued on 6 May 1930.[9]

Specifications (C-7 Bullet)
Alexander Eaglerock C-3 Bullet 3-view drawing from Aero Digest May 1929

Data from American Airplane Specifications[10]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 3 passengers
  • Length: 26 ft 10 in (8.18 m)
  • Wingspan: 36 ft 0 in (10.97 m)
  • Height: 7 ft 9 in (2.36 m)
  • Wing area: 208 sq ft (19.3 m2)
  • Empty weight: 1,720 lb (780 kg)
  • Gross weight: 2,780 lb (1,261 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 44 US gal (170 L; 37 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Wright J-6 Whirlwind 7-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, 165 hp (123 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 148 mph (238 km/h, 129 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 122 mph (196 km/h, 106 kn)
  • Stall speed: 45 mph (72 km/h, 39 kn)
  • Range: 560 mi (900 km, 490 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 17,000 ft (5,200 m)
  • Rate of climb: 700 ft/min (3.6 m/s)

References
  1. Denver Posse. The Denver Westerners brand book. p. 246.
  2. Terry Gwynn-Jones. The air racers: aviation's golden era, 1909-1936. p. 185.
  3. Donald M. Pattillo. A History in the Making: 80 Turbulent Years in the American General Aviation Industry. p. 8.
  4. Flying Magazine: 108. August 1985.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  5. Aeronautics: 28. September 1929.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
  6. Joseph P. Juptner. U.S. Civil Aircraft Series, Volume 8. p. 64.
  7. Colin Evans. A Question of Evidence: The Casebook of Great Forensic Controversies. p. 62.
  8. Eckland, K.O. "Alexander". aerofiles.com. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
  9. Joseph P. Juptner. U.S. civil aircraft, Volume 4. p. 65.
  10. Aviation July 1931, pp. 428, 431.
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