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From: cfiaime@ihnp4.UUCP (Jeff Williams)
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: Re: Beautiful Airplanes
Message-ID: <802@ihnp4.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 24-Jun-85 11:47:52 EDT
Article-I.D.: ihnp4.802
Posted: Mon Jun 24 11:47:52 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 25-Jun-85 07:58:03 EDT
References: <27361@lanl.ARPA>
Distribution: net
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 28

> I can get misty about many airplanes but a few that hold a special place
> include the original Curtiss Helldiver bi-plane of the early thirties,
> the Douglas Devastator TBD, the Vought Vindicator and just about anything
> else that flew off the carriers in the thirties.
> 
> Anyone remember the Republic Rainbow?  A free dinner for 2 at Mac & Don"s
> Supper Club for anyone who can describe it without looking it up!
> 
> Ted Spitzmiller
> "A soft spot for anything with wings!"

Republic Rainbow - This was a 4 engine recon aircraft designed at the end
of WW2.  It had a nose somewhat like a B-29 (no windshield, per se, smooth
plexiglass), the tail looked like that of a F-84-E (straight wing F-84),
and the engine nacelles had a "jet augmenter" type of tailpipe.  According
to "Flying Combat Aircraft of the USAAF, USAF (Vol 1)" the airplane was
faster at cruise than a P-47 red-line.  Again, from the same source,
this airplane was ordered by Pan-Am (?) and was to be certified as a 3
engine aircraft to allow continued flight if an engine died in flight.
The engines, I think, were the same as on a DC-7, Turbo-Compound R-3350
by Wright.

You have picked my curiousity.  I will have to read the artical again
when I find my copy of the book.

				jeff williams
				AT&T Bell Laboratories
				ihnp4!cfiaime