Planes - Hydro & Air (old and new)

1971_M5 · Sep 21, 2023

Something different, but still a "mode of transport" I believe. There is an annual H1 unlimited hydroplane race here locally every August (dating back to the 1950's). I've always been a fan (since I was a little kid) and up until the late-70's and early-80's they were running V-12 WWII piston aircraft engines (Rolls Merlin, Allison, Rolls Griffon). Called "Thunderboats" in those days -- for good reason. But by that time, the aircraft engines were getting worn-down and unreliable. Parts were becoming scarce and the marine racing application pushed things pretty hard. As a result, turbines started coming into the picture about 40+ years ago (i.e., helicopter engines like the Honeywell/Lycoming T55). The races are fun to watch and there is an ongoing airshow between race heats. On the day I went, it was overcast -- kind of flat for picture-taking. And the low ceiling limited the airshow somewhat. Of course, it was sunny and beautiful the day before. Fun nevertheless.

First a 3-shot sequence... 1) the Flav-R-Pac gets close to the HomeStreet, 2) backs-off slightly and gets caught in the slipstream; 3) almost close to a blow-over. Average lap time (2.5 mile course) work out to roughly 165 MPH (270 kph) with straightaway speeds around 200 MPH (320 kph). Followed by some mid-vintage (pre-turbine) boats from the late-70's and early 80's.

hydros-01-small by John Frantzen, on Flickr

hydros-02-small by John Frantzen, on Flickr