AERO DESIGN DG-1

Plane & Pilot

Wednesday, July 01, 2009 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: Omar Filipović

Key Takeaways:

The DG-1 is historically significant as the first custom-built Unlimited Class air racer in the United States since the 1930s, with its prototype flying in 1978.
It is a high-performance aircraft designed for competition, capable of speeds up to 400 mph, powered by two custom-modified 330-hp Mazda rotary engines.
The aircraft features innovative construction, including cantilevered mid-wings with fiberglass reinforced plastic spars and a steel-tube fuselage covered by plywood and fiberglass.
Beyond racing, the DG-1 design demonstrated versatility, with potential adaptations for two-place models, remotely piloted vehicles, or even a turbojet propulsion unit.

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The DG-1 holds the distinction of being the first custom-built Unlimited Class racer to be built in the United States after the 1930s. It is intended for competition in that category as recognized by the United States Air Racing Association of the National Aeronautic Association. The prototype flew in 1978, and in addition to racing, the design is adaptable for follow-up production of two-place, tandem seating models. It can be modified easily to a remotely piloted vehicle, and design studies examined the use of a J-85 series GE turbojet propulsion unit. The wings are the cantilevered mid-wing type with a fiberglass reinforced plastic spar, and the wings are foam-filled internally. The fuselage is a steel-tube frame covered by plywood and is fiberglass reinforced. Power is supplied by fore and aft Mazda rotary auto engines modified to produce in excess of 330 hp each. Both are fuel injected and turbocharged by custom AiResearch units and turn 68-inch three blade propellers. This kit is no longer available.