Hanson WH-1 'Sump'n Else' Formula One Racer

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HISTORY

William Hanson's WH-1 Formula 1 racer, Race 35, began life with the somewhat peculiar name of "Thunderchicken." The fuselage is of welded tubular steel construction, with the cockpit and engine areas covered with sheet aluminum, and the area aft of the cockpit covered with fabric. The tail surfaces were constructed similarly to the aft fuselage. The wings were made of wood spars and ribs with plywood covering.
The aircraft, wearing the name "Thunderchicken," qualified at the Cleveland Air Races in 1972, flown by Ken Haas. However, due to failure of the windshield, the aircraft failed to place. The same year, Tom Cooney flew finished in fifth place in the Formula 1 Silver Race at Reno, with a speed of 202.74 mph.
The WH-1 was renamed "Sump'n Else," retaining race number 35, and repainted for the 1974 Reno Air Races, but did not qualify. In 1975, Thomas Summers flew "Sump'n Else" to a third-place finish in the Silver Race at Reno with a speed of 204.69 mph.

SPECIFICATIONS

Status: Static Display

Manufacturer: William Hanson

Year: 1974

Model: WH-1 Hanson Special

Registration Number: N35TS

Serial Number:

Crew: 1

Max T/O Weight:

Span: 18 ft. 8 in.

Length: 18 ft. 3 in.

Height: 6 ft. 2 in.