Command-Aire MR-1 Little Rocket

Command-Aire MR-1 Little Rocket Racer N345JA (Reproduction) on static display at the Sun’n Fun Florida Air Museum at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in the City of Lakeland Polk County Florida U.S.A.

Command-Aire built one little Rocket Racer. The Rocket was built to compete in the 1930 All American Derby. Equipped with a super-charged 90 hp Cirrus and Lee Gelbach at the controls, running a race course that spanned most of Mid-America, the little Rocket repeatedly recorded ground speeds of 215 mph, its average point-to-point time being in the neighbourhood of 160 mph. The aircraft won the 5,500 mile race and $15,000 prize (a fortune in the depression) with an average speed on 127mph.

The Rocket no longer exists, but Joe Armaldi in Florida built a replica of the racer.

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