MAC-1
 
After the landing accident that ended the Hawks HM-1 racer program, the aircraft was purchased by the Military Aircraft Corporation / Tri American Aviation with the intent to modify the HM-1 racer into a military aircraft that could be marketed to South America and China.
 
Once again, Pete Miller was responsible for modifying the aircraft with a smaller Pratt & Witney Twin Wasp Junior of 900 hp, a two-seat tandem cockpit, dual controls, and two wing mounted .50 cal. machine guns and a rear facing .50 cal. mg in the rear cockpit. After a short flight test program, the MAC-1 was taken to Cleveland to participate in the Thompson Trophy race.
 
The painting depicts Pilot Leigh Wade battling for third place with Joe Mackey flying Roscoe Turners old Hornet powered Wedell Williams racer. Wade finished a disappointing fourth and turned to trying to sell the design to the USAAC at Wright Field. Although its performance was impressive, its wooden wing and other dated design aspects could not compete with newer all metal designs from larger established manufacturers. The aircraft was destroyed when Earl Ortman exceeded 425 mph in a dive and was forced to bail out of the rapidly disintegrating plane. 
 
Painting size acrylic on gessoboard 16" x 20." 
 
Print size 16" x 20" on 18" x 24" paper
 
Original painting available
 
Signed, open edition giclee prints are available for $110.00 plus $10.00 shipping