Driggers D1-A

Willard A. Driggers of Washington, DC and Willow Grove, Pennsylvania designed and built the D1-A in 1929. It is a parasol high-wing monoplane with the aerofoil braced from the upper fuselage and lower fuselage. A fixed tailwheel undercarriage is fitted. The tailplane is set high on the rear fuselage and is braced. The rounded fin has a large rudder area. The 60 h.p. Lawrance L-4 engine is fitted within an elegant curved cowling with the cylinder heads protruding to allow air cooling. The D1-A has manufacturers number 1 and is registered N891H.[1] Driggers went on to design and build the two-seat Driggers D2-A in 1933.[2]

The builder and owner flew the D1-A from 1929 until 1936, when it was damaged in a ground loop. It was named Sunshine Girl III. The aircraft was stored until 1968 when an Experimental Aircraft Association group rebuilt it for static exhibition.[3] It is currently displayed at the EAA museum at Oshkosh Wisconsin.[4]

Data from Aerofiles

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 17 ft 8 in (5.38 m)
• Wingspan: 22 ft 9 in (6.93 m)
• Powerplant: 1 × Lawrance L-4 piston, 60 hp (45 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 95 mph (153 km/h, 83 kn)
• Cruise speed: 85 mph (137 km/h, 74 kn)
• Stall speed: 40 mph (64 km/h, 35 kn)
• Range: 245 mi (394 km, 213 nmi)