| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | NX181M |
| Alternate Registration: | X181M |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Curtiss Model 54 Tanager |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Curtiss Model 54 Tanager |
| Aircraft Version: | Curtiss Model 54 Tanager |
| C/n (msn): | G-1 |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | Curtiss-Wright L.A. Airport (closed) |
| Region / Country: | California, United States |
| Airport Codes: | None |
| Photo Date: | 1929 to 1930 |
| Photo from: | William Engle Collection (via Tim Martin) |
| Photo ID: | 686135 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
Built in 1929 specifically to compete in the Guggenheim Safe Aircraft Competition, which it won (controversially). It was equipped with automatic wing leading edge slots, full-span wing flaps and floating ailerons on the lower wing that automatically adjusted themselves parallel to the airflow. The combination of these devices gave the Tanager a stalling speed of 31 mph and allowed it to land in only 90 ft. On 19 July 1930 it was destroyed on the ground when flames from its engine set the grass alight at Cleveland/OH. This photo was added on 11 May 2024, and has since been viewed 145 times. |