Thompson Trophy
The Thompson Trophy was an air race that was held as part of the National Air Races in the United States.
The race was named after sponsor Charles E. Thompson and was designed to promote the speed of land planes, similar to the Schneider Trophy for seaplanes. The race was first held in 1929 and took place on a closed course of 10 miles in length, marked by pylons about 15 meters high and flown through 20 times. All aircraft took off at the same time and fought for positions in the air. This made the Thompson Trophy the most popular race in the National Air Races.
Until 1939, only special racing aircraft could enter the list of winners. Due to the war, there were no races between 1940 and 1945. From 1946 on, modified combat aircraft were the winners. The last race took place in 1949.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b Airrace - website: THE THOMPSON TROPHY STORY. In: www.airrace.com. February 18, 2013, accessed March 23, 2020 .
- ^ National Museum website: 1965 Thompson Trophy. In: www.nationalmuseum.af.mil. June 5, 2015, accessed March 23, 2020 .
- ↑ Airandspace - website: Thompson Trophy. In: airandspace.si.edu. Retrieved March 23, 2020 .