US NAVY PILOT BREAKS AIR SPEED RECORD AT 302.3 MPH
Mitchell Field, New York (JFK+50) On September 18, 1925, "a new official world speed record was established...when Lt. Alford J. Williams, U.S. Navy aviator, flew at the rate of 302.3 miles an hour."
Associated Press reports the world record that Lt. Williams broke had been 278 miles an hour, held by the French.
Lt. Williams flew a Curtiss racer which is less than 20 feet in length and 8 feet in height. It uses a Curtis V-1400 motor which is rated at 619 horsepower. The weight of the aircraft is 2200 pounds.
SOURCE
"Navy Flyer Makes 302 Miles An Hour," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., September 18, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
Curtiss Racer
Bain News Service
Library of Congress
www.picryl.com/
