Proto type fighter or Racer? Northrop Gamma 2G

[easterneagle87]

Cool little picture found at an antique store today.

 

Is this a proto type fighter? or a Racer?

 

I believe there is a Norhtrop decal on the tail fin.

 

Anyone know?

[McDermut99]

I believe it is a 1930's-40's era racer.

[gwb123]

I would say it is a racer as well.

 

Can you read the registration number under the wings, or make out the insignia on the tail?

[easterneagle87]

TAIL # READS: X13761

[northcoastaero]

The aircraft is a Northrop Gamma that was flown by Jackie Cochran and later by Howard Hughes. Hope this helps.

[gwb123]

If you run that tail code through Google, you will find references to the Northrop Gamma 2G.

 

http://www.skytamer.com/Northrop_1933(Gamma2G).html

[doyler]

Was thinking it was a Gamma.Northrop used the enclosures on the wheels.

[easterneagle87]

Thanks to all! The one in my picture is better looking than those portrayed in those ugly Texaco toys.

[doyler]

Northrop must have used radial engines in certain models.This one looks to have a standard piston driven engine.Sure must have been an impressive looking plane to see or fly.

[mpguy80/08]

These were built in a time where Radial engines WERE the standard piston engines... Inline engines were much harder to design planes around and use because of the associated radiators and ducting needed to cool them.

[Vahe Demirjian]

On 10/28/2015 at 10:31 AM, doyler said:

Northrop must have used radial engines in certain models.This one looks to have a standard piston driven engine.Sure must have been an impressive looking plane to see or fly.

The Northrop Gamma 2G was originally fitted with a Curtiss V-1570 Conqueror engine when built. It later was re-engined with a Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp Jr. and then a Wright Cyclone SGR-1820-G-5. Below is a photo of the Gamma 2G after the Conqueror engine was replaced by a radial engine.

 

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/WeirdWings/comments/10rcbvk/northrop_gamma_2g_racer/

 

[SoCalvin]

Awesome plane and thread - Love those 30's Racers!  That seems to be a pretty rare photo since the V12 Wright-Curtiss  was apparently only installed on this "X" version for Jackie and Howard to go racing in but the supercharger had major issues causing Jackie to force land then a mechanic continued on and he also made a 'off field' landing seriously damaging the plane and shortly after the plane was decertified (I think another pilot was killed in it). That's when the P&W Twin Wasp 14 was installed which Jackie raced in the 1935 Bendix race. Unfortunately the V12 looks sweet and the radial looks like a giant wart on the nose IMHO.