The Gere biplane was designed and built by 19-year-old student at the University of Minnesota George (Bud) Gere in 1932 and 1933. Gere was killed in a powered iceboat accident shortly before the plane was completed and his father, George Gere Snr arranged to have the final touches made. The Gere design eliminated shock struts and depended on large diameter air-wheels to take landing loads.
The biplane was test flown by Elmer Wall, a Mohawk Aircraft company test pilot, at Wold-Chamberlin Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1933.
Although the 4-cylinder Chevrolet car engine was not really suitable, Wall and other pilots who flew it had high praise for its performance.
Mr Gere donated the plane to the School of Aeronautics of the University after the flight tests were completed.
It was one of the most popular pre-World War II single seat homebuilts.
In 1933 Anthony Smokowitz of Vulcan MI., USA, modified Gere Sport N13698 c/n S-9405 with a 60hp Dayton Bear, then in 1936 a 55hp Lambert, and in 1938 a 60hp Dayton Bear again.
Engine: Szekely 3 cyl radial, 40 hp.
Seats: 1
All Aero 