The Wedell-Williams Model 44 is a racing aircraft, four examples of which were built in the United States in the early 1930s by the Wedell-Williams Air Service Corporation. It began as a rebuilding of the partnership's successful We-Will 1929 racer, but soon turned into a completely new racing monoplane aircraft, powered by a large radial engine. Model 44s became the dominant racers of the 1930s, setting innumerable records including setting a new world speed record in 1933.

The only surviving Model 44 is on display at the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, Cleveland, Ohio. Three replica Model 44s are on display at the Louisiana State Museum, Patterson, Louisiana.

Designer - James R. Wedell

First Flight - 12 January 1930

Introduction - 13 June 1930, New Orleans Air Races

Unit cost - US $10,000 in 1931

Powerplant - 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-1690-S1C3G 9-cyl. air cooled radial piston engine producing 1,020 hp.

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SDMB meets at the Patrick K. Hardesty Midtown Multi-Service building located at 1100 South Alvernon Way

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LIMITED EDITION SDMB ballcap now on sale to SDMB members

Only $12.95!

Ballcaps will be available for purchase at club meetings. Only a few left! See Dick for purchase.

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