The Culver Dart was a 1930s American two-seat light monoplane aircraft produced by the Dart Aircraft Company (later the Culver Aircraft Company ).
70-690: In the early 1930s Al Mooney was working for the Lambert Aircraft Corporation , builders of the Monocoupe series aircraft. He designed a small two-seat monoplane, the Monosport G . When the company ran into financial difficulties Mooney bought the rights to his design and with K.K. Culver formed the Dart Aircraft Company. The aircraft was renamed the Dart Dart or Dart Model G . The aircraft
140-607: A Swallow biplane fly over where he was working. Following the aircraft to the local airfield, he noticed several mistakes in the aircraft rigging which he offered to help fix. After rerigging the plane, which was flown by J. Don Alexander, Mooney was offered a job. At age 19 he was hired as an assistant to the chief engineer and draftsman at the Alexander Aircraft Company in Denver. His early years proved unfruitful, assisting on an eventually failed design. Finally Mooney got
210-404: A speculative land boom in the late 1880s, stimulating further expansion of the city. Fairmount College, which eventually grew into Wichita State University , opened in 1886; Garfield University, which eventually became Friends University , opened in 1887. By 1890, Wichita had become the third-largest city in the state after Kansas City , and Topeka , with a population of nearly 24,000. After
280-496: A brothel there from early 1874 to the middle of 1876. The area had a reputation for violence until lawmen like Wyatt stepped up enforcement, who officially joined the Wichita marshal's office on April 21, 1875. He was hired after the election of Mike Meagher as city marshal, making $ 100 per month. By the middle of the decade, the cattle trade had moved west to Dodge City . Wichita annexed Delano in 1880. Rapid immigration resulted in
350-526: A center of the industry that the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce dubbed it the "Air Capital of the World" in 1929. Over the following decades, aviation and aircraft manufacturing continued to drive expansion of the city. In 1934, Stearman's Wichita facilities became part of Boeing , which would become the city's largest employer. Initial construction of Wichita Municipal Airport finished southeast of
420-485: A female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were not families. About 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.48, and the average family size was 3.14. The median age in the city was 33.9 years; 26.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.1% were between 18 and 24; 26.9% were from 25 to 44; 24.9% were from 45 to 64; and 11.5% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of
490-596: A proposal that was developed into the Lockheed Jetstar . Later he led the Lockheed XV-4 Hummingbird project. Other designs credited to him include the AL-60 and another unnamed Lockheed business jet. In 1964, while Mooney was designing his final aircraft, a benign tumor was found in his wife Opie. This was the beginning of a decline in her health, ending with her death in 1966. His initial response to her death
560-441: A separate race. The racial makeup (including Hispanics in the racial counts) was 63.39% (251,997) white , 10.95% (43,537) black or African-American , 1.33% (5,296) Native American , 5.09% (20,225) Asian , 0.12% (482) Pacific Islander , 7.41% (29,444) from other races , and 11.71% (46,551) from two or more races. The racial and ethnic makeup (where Hispanics are excluded from the racial counts and placed in their own category)
630-506: A town company, and surveyor Darius Munger built a log structure for the company to serve as a hotel, community center, and post office. Business opportunities attracted area hunters and traders, and a new settlement began to form. That summer, Mead and others organized the Wichita Town Company, naming the settlement after the Wichita tribe. In 1870, Munger and German immigrant William "Dutch Bill" Greiffenstein filed plats laying out
700-577: A year and 100 °F (38 °C) an average of 12 days a year. The minimum temperature falls to or below 10 °F (−12 °C) on an average 7.7 days a year. The hottest temperature recorded in Wichita was 114 °F (46 °C) in 1936; the coldest temperature recorded was −22 °F (−30 °C) on February 12, 1899 . Readings as low as −17 °F (−27 °C) and as high as 111 °F (44 °C) occurred as recently as February 16, 2021, and July 29–30, 2012 , respectively. Wichita receives on average about 34.31 inches (871 mm) of precipitation
770-469: A year, most of which falls in the warmer months, and experiences 87 days of measurable precipitation. The average relative humidity is 80% in the morning and 49% in the evening. Annual snowfall averages 12.7 inches (32 cm). Measurable snowfall occurs an average of nine days per year with at least an inch of snow falling on four of those days. Snow depth of at least an inch occurs an average of 12 days per year. The average window for freezing temperatures
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#1733093577336840-435: Is Eastborough . Adjacent to the city's east side is Andover . McConnell Air Force Base is in the extreme southeast corner of the city. To the south, from east to west, lie Derby and Haysville . Goddard and Maize border Wichita to the west and northwest, respectively. Wichita lies within the humid subtropical climate zone ( Köppen Cfa ), typically experiencing hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Located on
910-409: Is manufacturing , which accounted for 21.6% of area employment in 2003. Aircraft manufacturing has long dominated the local economy, and plays such an important role that it has the ability to influence the economic health of the entire region; the state offers tax breaks and other incentives to aircraft manufacturers. Healthcare is Wichita's second-largest industry, employing about 28,000 people in
980-415: Is October 25 through April 9. Wichita is consistently ranked as one of the worst major cities in the nation for seasonal allergies, due largely to tree and grass pollen (partly from surrounding open plains and pastureland), and smoke from frequent burning of fields by the region's farmers and ranchers, driven by the strong Kansas winds. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America , ranked Wichita—out of
1050-670: Is not a part of the Wichita MSA or Wichita-Winfield CSA, but, were it included, it would add an additional population of 64,511 as of 2010. It is the birthplace of famous restaurants such as White Castle and Pizza Hut . A survey of well-known Kansas-based brands conducted by RSM Marketing Services and the Wichita Consumer Research Center showed many of the top-25 Kansas-based brands such as Koch , Coleman , Cessna , Pizza Hut, Beechcraft , Freddy's , and more are based in Wichita. Wichita's principal industrial sector
1120-686: Is the principal city of both the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and the Wichita-Winfield Combined Statistical Area (CSA) . The Wichita MSA encompasses Sedgwick, Butler , Harvey , and Sumner counties and, as of 2010, had a population of 623,061, making it the 84th largest MSA in the United States. The larger Wichita-Winfield CSA also includes Cowley County and, as of 2013, had an estimated population of 673,598. Nearby Reno County
1190-601: The American Civil War , and established a settlement on the banks of the Little Arkansas. During this period, trader Jesse Chisholm established a trading post at the site, one of several along a trail extending south to Texas which became known as the Chisholm Trail . In 1867, after the war, the Wichita returned to Indian Territory. In 1868, trader James R. Mead was among a group of investors who established
1260-671: The Andover, Kansas tornado outbreak of April 1991, and during the Oklahoma tornado outbreak of May 1999. Winters are cold and dry; since Wichita is roughly midway between Canada and the Gulf of Mexico , cold spells and warm spells are equally frequent. Warm air masses from the Gulf of Mexico can raise midwinter temperatures into the 50s and even 60s (°F), while cold-air masses from the Arctic can occasionally plunge
1330-656: The Civil War in their homeland. Thousands of immigrants from Vietnam moved to Wichita in the aftermath of the Vietnam War . The 2020 United States census counted 397,532 people, 154,683 households, and 92,969 families in Wichita. The population density was 2,454.1 per square mile (947.5/km ). There were 172,801 housing units at an average density of 1,066.7 per square mile (411.9/km ). The U.S. census accounts for race by two methodologies. "Race alone" and "Race alone less Hispanics" where Hispanics are delineated separately as if
1400-459: The Culver Cadet acrobatic plane, over 350 of which were built. As war enveloped the country, Culver's main focus shifted towards military drones, in which Mooney had little interest. During this time, Mooney started a business relationship with C. G. "Al" Yankey, which eventually led to the founding of a second Mooney Aircraft Company. As Culver's commercial sales began to slow down with the end of
1470-514: The Garvey Center , and the Epic Center . Old Town is also part of downtown; this 50-acre (0.20 km ) area is home to a cluster of nightclubs, bars, restaurants, a movie theater, shops, and apartments and condominiums, many of which make use of historical warehouse-type spaces. Two notable residential areas of Wichita are Riverside and College Hill . Riverside is northwest of downtown, across
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#17330935773361540-511: The Great Plains , far from any large moderating influences such as mountains or large bodies of water, Wichita often experiences severe weather with thunderstorms occurring frequently during the spring and summer. These occasionally bring large hail and frequent lightning. Particularly destructive ones have struck the Wichita area several times in the course of its history - in September 1965, during
1610-689: The Osage in the 1750s drove the Wichita further south. Prior to European settlement of the region, the site was in the territory of the Kiowa . Claimed first by France as part of Louisiana and later acquired by the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, it became part of Kansas Territory in 1854 and then the state of Kansas in 1861. The Wichita people returned in 1863, driven from their land in Indian Territory by Confederate forces in
1680-506: The county seat of Sedgwick County . As of the 2020 census , the population of the city was 397,532. The Wichita metro area had a population of 647,610 in 2020. It is located in south-central Kansas on the Arkansas River . Wichita began as a trading post on the Chisholm Trail in the 1860s and was incorporated as a city in 1870. It became a destination for cattle drives traveling north from Texas to Kansas railroads, earning it
1750-409: The 1920s. The careers and fortunes of future oil moguls Archibald Derby, who later founded Derby Oil , and Fred C. Koch , who established what would become Koch Industries , both began in Wichita during this period. The money generated by the oil boom enabled local entrepreneurs to invest in the nascent airplane-manufacturing industry. In 1917, Clyde Cessna built his Cessna Comet in Wichita,
1820-538: The 1970s, Wichita has continued to grow steadily into the 21st century. In the late 1990s and 2000s, the city government and local organizations began collaborating to redevelop downtown Wichita and older neighborhoods in the city. Intrust Bank Arena opened downtown in 2010. Boeing ended its operations in Wichita in 2014. However, the city remains a national center of aircraft manufacturing with other companies including Spirit AeroSystems and Airbus maintaining facilities in Wichita. Wichita Mid-Continent Airport
1890-492: The 21st century, most becoming low-income neighborhoods. In terms of population, Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and the 49th largest city in the United States, according to the 2020 census . Wichita has an extensive history of attracting immigrants. Starting in 1895, a population of Lebanese Americans moved to the city, many of whom were Orthodox Christians . A second wave of Lebanese migrants moved to Wichita to flee
1960-583: The Arkansas River near the western edge of the Flint Hills in the Wellington-McPherson Lowlands region of the Great Plains . The area's topography is characterized by the broad alluvial plain of the Arkansas River valley and the moderately rolling slopes that rise to the higher lands on either side. The Arkansas follows a winding course, south-southeast through Wichita, roughly bisecting
2030-423: The Arkansas River, and surrounds the 120-acre (0.49 km ) Riverside Park. College Hill is east of downtown and south of Wichita State University. It is one of the more historic neighborhoods, along with Delano on the west side and Midtown in the north-central city. Four other historic neighborhoods—developed in southeast Wichita (particularly near Boeing , Cessna and Beech aircraft plants) -- are among
2100-591: The Mooney A-1, which was similar to the Bullet , and the M-5. The M-5 prototype flew seven months after the company started up. With the aircraft industry sales declining due to the onset of the great depression , Mooney decided to fly the M-5 nonstop from Glendale, California , to Long Island, New York , as a promotional feat. However, the nonstop flight failed near Fort Wayne, Indiana , when his engine quit due to faulty welding on
2170-472: The age of 18; 42.6% were married couples living together; 29.4% had a female householder with no spouse present. 33.2% of households consisted of individuals and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 3.2. 24.6% of the population was under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
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2240-514: The airport to establish McConnell Air Force Base . By 1954, all nonmilitary air traffic had shifted to the new Wichita Mid-Continent Airport west of the city. In 1962, Lear Jet Corporation opened with its plant adjacent to the new airport. Throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, several other prominent businesses and brands had their origins in Wichita. A. A. Hyde founded health-care products maker Mentholatum in Wichita in 1889. Sporting goods and camping-gear retailer Coleman started in
2310-421: The boom, however, the city entered an economic recession, and many of the original settlers went bankrupt. In 1914 and 1915, deposits of oil and natural gas were discovered in nearby Butler County . This triggered another economic boom in Wichita as producers established refineries, fueling stations, and headquarters in the city. By 1917, five operating refineries were in Wichita, with another seven built in
2380-565: The chance to build the M-1 or Long Wing Eaglerock, a plane of his own design. While the airplane had some success as a trainer, it was not enough to keep him at the Alexander company. In 1926, after spending some time working for Montague, where he designed his M-2, Mooney took his first flying lessons. When Montague's finances ran out, Mooney returned to the Alexander company, where he was named chief engineer in 1928. During his time as chief engineer, Mooney
2450-498: The city in 1935. During World War II , the site hosted Wichita Army Airfield and Boeing Airplane Company Plant No. 1. The city experienced a population explosion during the war when it became a major manufacturing center for the Boeing B-29 bomber. The wartime city quickly grew from 110,000 to 184,000 residents, drawing aircraft workers from throughout the central U.S. In 1951, the U.S. Air Force announced plans to assume control of
2520-485: The city in the early 1900s. A number of fast-food franchises started in Wichita, beginning with White Castle in 1921 and followed by many more in the 1950s and 1960s including Pizza Hut in 1958. In the 1970s and 1980s, the city became a regional center of health care and medical research. Wichita has been a focal point of national political controversy multiple times in its history. In 1900, famous temperance extremist Carrie Nation struck in Wichita upon learning
2590-683: The city remains a major center of the American aircraft industry . Several airports located within the city of Wichita include McConnell Air Force Base , Colonel James Jabara Airport , and Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport , the largest airport in Kansas. As an industrial hub, Wichita is a regional center of culture, media, and trade. It hosts several universities, large museums, theaters, parks, shopping centers, and entertainment venues, most notably Intrust Bank Arena and Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center . The city's Old Cowtown Museum maintains historical artifacts and exhibits
2660-416: The city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female. The median income for a household in the city was $ 44,477, and for a family was $ 57,088. Males had a median income of $ 42,783 versus $ 32,155 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 24,517. About 12.1% of families and 15.8% of the population were below the poverty line , including 22.5% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over. Wichita
2730-418: The city was 71.9% White , 11.5% African American , 4.8% Asian , 1.2% American Indian , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 6.2% from other races, and 4.3% from two or more races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 15.3% of the population. Of the 151,818 households, 33.4% had children under 18 living with them, 44.1% were married couples living together, 5.2% had a male householder with no wife present, 13.1% had
2800-412: The city was not enforcing Kansas's prohibition ordinance. The Dockum Drug Store sit-in took place in the city in 1958 with protesters pushing for desegregation . In 1991, thousands of anti-abortion protesters blockaded and held sit-ins at Wichita abortion clinics, particularly the clinic of George Tiller . Tiller was later murdered in Wichita by Scott Roeder in 2009. Except for a slow period in
2870-546: The city's early history. Wichita State University is the third-largest post-secondary institution in the state. Archaeological evidence indicates human habitation near the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers , the site of present-day Wichita, as early as 3000 BC. In 1541, a Spanish expedition led by explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado found the area populated by the Quivira, or Wichita, people . Conflict with
Culver Dart - Misplaced Pages Continue
2940-468: The city's first streets. Wichita formally incorporated as a city on July 21, 1870. Wichita's position on the Chisholm Trail made it a destination for cattle drives traveling north from Texas to access railroads, which led to markets in eastern U.S. cities. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reached the city in 1872. As a result, Wichita became a railhead for the cattle drives, earning it
3010-551: The city. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 163.59 sq mi (423.70 km ), of which 4.30 sq mi (11.14 km ) are covered by water. As the core of the Wichita metropolitan area , the city is surrounded by suburbs. Bordering Wichita on the north are, from west to east, Valley Center , Park City , Kechi , and Bel Aire . Enclosed within east-central Wichita
3080-528: The city. It is joined along its course by several tributaries, all of which flow generally south. The largest is the Little Arkansas River, which enters the city from the north and joins the Arkansas immediately west of downtown. Further east lies Chisholm Creek , which joins the Arkansas in the far southern part of the city. The Chisholm's own tributaries drain much of the city's eastern half; these include
3150-573: The cracks and never made production. While most of the aircraft industry was in shambles in the middle of the great depression, the Bellanca aircraft company had some continued success due to contracts with the Navy and the company's popularity among Alaskan bush pilots . In 1934 Mooney was named chief engineer at Bellanca. During this period, Mooney worked closely with its owner, the well-respected Italian-born Giuseppe Bellanca . In his time at Bellanca, Mooney
3220-510: The creek's West, Middle, and East Forks, as well as further south, Gypsum Creek. The Gypsum is fed by its own tributary, Dry Creek. Two more of the Arkansas's tributaries lie west of its course; from east to west, these are Big Slough Creek and Cowskin Creek. Both run south through the western part of the city. Fourmile Creek, a tributary of the Walnut River , flows south through the far eastern part of
3290-561: The first aircraft built in the city. In 1920, two local oilmen invited Chicago aircraft builder Emil "Matty" Laird to manufacture his designs in Wichita, leading to the formation of the Swallow Airplane Company . Two early Swallow employees, Lloyd Stearman and Walter Beech , went on to found two prominent Wichita-based companies, Stearman Aircraft in 1926 and Beechcraft in 1932, respectively. Cessna, meanwhile, started his own company in Wichita in 1927. The city became such
3360-525: The fuel pump. In 1931, with the economy failing, the Mooney Corporation closed its doors. Mooney continued pursuing aircraft design after his company failed. His next design, the M-6, was a two-place low-wing design. However, development came to a halt with financial difficulty that prevented the purchasing of an engine. After several years of searching for financing and continuing design, the M-6 fell through
3430-422: The local area. Since healthcare needs remain fairly consistent regardless of the economy, this field was not subject to the same pressures that affected other industries in the early 2000s. The Kansas Spine Hospital opened in 2004, as did a critical-care tower at Wesley Medical Center . In July 2010, Via Christi Health, which is the largest provider of healthcare services in Kansas, opened a hospital that will serve
3500-403: The nation's 100 largest cities—6th worst for people with allergies in 2016, 3rd worst in 2021, 2nd worst in 2022, and worst nationwide in 2023. Wichita has several recognized areas and neighborhoods. The downtown area is generally considered to be east of the Arkansas River, west of Washington Street, north of Kellogg, and south of 13th Street. It contains landmarks such as Century II ,
3570-445: The nation's few remaining examples of U.S. government-funded temporary World War II housing developments to support war factory personnel: Beechwood (now mostly demolished), Oaklawn, Hilltop (the city's highest-density large neighborhood), and massive Planeview (where over 30 languages are spoken) -- in all, home to about a fifth of the city's population at their peak. Though designed as temporary housing, all have remained occupied into
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#17330935773363640-541: The nickname "Cowtown". Wyatt Earp served as a police officer in Wichita for around one year before going to Dodge City . In the 1920s and 1930s, businessmen and aeronautical engineers established aircraft manufacturing companies in Wichita, including Beechcraft , Cessna , and Stearman Aircraft . The city became an aircraft production hub known as "The Air Capital of the World". Textron Aviation , Learjet , Airbus , and Boeing / Spirit AeroSystems continue to operate design and manufacturing facilities in Wichita, and
3710-465: The nickname "Cowtown". Across the Arkansas River, the town of Delano became an entertainment destination for cattlemen thanks to its saloons, brothels, and lack of law enforcement. James Earp ran a brothel with his wife Nellie "Bessie" Ketchum. His brother Wyatt was likely a pimp, although historian Gary L. Roberts believes that he was an enforcer or bouncer. Local arrest records show that Earp's common-law wife Sally and James' wife Nellie managed
3780-456: The northwest area of Wichita. Via Christi Hospital on St. Teresa is the system's fifth hospital to serve the Wichita community. In 2016, Wesley Healthcare opened Wesley Children's Hospital, the first and only children's hospital in the Wichita area. Thanks to the early 20th-century oil boom in neighboring Butler County, Kansas , Wichita became a major oil town, with dozens of oil-exploration companies and support enterprises. Most famous of these
3850-600: The temperature below 0 °F. Wind speed in the city averages 13 mph (21 km/h). On average, January is the coldest month (and the driest), July the hottest, and May the wettest. The average temperature in the city is 57.7 °F (14.3 °C). Over the course of a year, the monthly daily average temperature ranges from 33.2 °F (0.7 °C) in January to 81.5 °F (27.5 °C) in July. The high temperature reaches or exceeds 90 °F (32 °C) an average of 65 days
3920-637: The war and tough competition from the Cessna 120 , Mooney left the Culver company. In July 1946, with the partnership of C.G. Yankey and W.L. McMahon, Al and Art Mooney resurrected the Mooney Aircraft Corporation, with Al as general manager and chief engineer. The first aircraft produced was the M-18, a single-place retractable-gear aircraft, and the first of its kind available on the market after World War II; it
3990-494: Was $ 31,875 (+/- $ 408). Approximately, 10.9% of families and 15.5% of the population were below the poverty line , including 21.4% of those under the age of 18 and 8.7% of those ages 65 or over. As of the census of 2010 , 382,368 people, 151,818 households, and 94,862 families were residing in the city. The population density was 2,304.8 inhabitants per square mile (889.9/km ). The 167,310 housing units had an average density of 1,022.1 per square mile (394.6/km ). The racial makeup of
4060-471: Was 35.3 years. For every 100 females, the population had 97.5 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 95.7 males. The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $ 53,466 (with a margin of error of +/- $ 1,028) and the median family income $ 69,930 (+/- $ 1,450). Males had a median income of $ 38,758 (+/- $ 1,242) versus $ 26,470 (+/- $ 608) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old
4130-400: Was 58.79% (233,703) White (non-Hispanic) , 10.62% (42,228) Black (non-Hispanic) , 0.86% (3,400) Native American (non-Hispanic) , 5.03% (19,991) Asian (non-Hispanic) , 0.11% (429) Pacific Islander (non-Hispanic) , 0.40% (1,585) from other race (non-Hispanic) , 5.89% (23,410) from two or more races, and 18.31% (72,786) Hispanic or Latino. Of the 154,683 households, 26.6% had children under
4200-495: Was a low-wing monoplane designed to be light with clean lines to enable it to use low powered aero-engines. It had a fixed undercarriage and a tailwheel. The initial version was named the Dart G powered by a 90 hp (67 kW) Lambert R-266 radial engine . That engine was in short supply, so the aircraft was fitted with a Ken-Royce engine and designated the Dart GK . The final version
4270-594: Was a self-taught American aircraft designer and early aviation entrepreneur. He and brother Arthur Mooney founded the Mooney Aircraft Company in 1929. His first production design (first flight 1947) was the Mooney M-18 Mite . The M-18 developed into the Mooney M20 in 1955, which was produced through several iterations on-and-off from 1955 through 2019, with over 11,000 examples built. Albert W. "Al" Mooney
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#17330935773364340-770: Was born in Denver, Colorado, on 12 April 1906. His older brother Arthur was born on 10 July 1904. Their father John was an engineer who designed railroad tunnels and trestles for the Denver & Rio Grande , and he taught his sons about drafting and layout . Both young men worked for the railroad when they were not in school. Mooney's interest in airplane design began while still in grade school and grew as he progressed to high school. While in high school, he realized that he excelled at mathematics, and that his understanding of it offered many possibilities for him. Seeking information on aircraft, Mooney asked his teacher what he should study that would best allow him to design safe airplanes, but he
4410-495: Was later named the Mite . After some problems with engine selection and the decision to replace them, Mooney began his next design, the M20, a four-place design of metal construction (the M-18 was made largely of wood). In 1953, the corporation's main financial backer, Al Yankey, died of a stroke before proper funding had been finalized for the M20. With the company again in financial distress, it
4480-561: Was officially renamed Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport after the Kansas native and U.S. President in 2015. Wichita is in south-central Kansas at the junction of Interstate 35 and U.S. Route 54 . Part of the Midwestern United States , it is 157 mi (253 km) north of Oklahoma City , 181 mi (291 km) southwest of Kansas City , and 439 mi (707 km) east-southeast of Denver . The city lies on
4550-650: Was responsible for several advances in the field of aircraft design, primarily through his Bullet , a low-wing airplane with relatively high speeds and a patented retractable landing gear. In 1929, with the financial backing of the Bridgeport Machine Co., Mooney left the Alexander Aircraft Corporation. He and Arthur moved to Wichita, Kansas , where they started the Mooney Aircraft Corporation . Their early years were spent designing
4620-831: Was responsible for the designs of the Bellanca Airbus cargo plane and the racer Irish Swoop . After his time with Bellanca, Mooney went briefly to Monocoupe Corporation . Working with the small startup company, he designed the Model G Dart and the Monocoach. In his time with Monocoupe, several features of future Mooney aircraft were designed, including rubber shock biscuits in the landing gear legs, and spring-assisted manual gear retract. After Monocoupe went under due to financial distress, Mooney's designs were purchased by Culver Aircraft , and in 1937, Mooney joined Culver as chief engineer. In his days at Culver before World War II , he designed
4690-480: Was taken over by Hal Rachal and Norm Hoffman. Only two years after the first flight of the M20, Al left the Mooney Aircraft Company and started working at Lockheed . After leaving the Mooney Aircraft Company, a company in which he had no ownership though it carried his name, Mooney moved to Lockheed, where he spent the rest of his career. In his time with Lockheed, his aircraft designs continued, including
4760-938: Was the Dart GW powered by a Warner Scarab Junior radial engine. Two special aircraft were built with larger engines. In 1939 the company was renamed the Culver Aircraft Company and the aircraft was renamed the Culver Dart . The Ohio History Connection holds a Culver Dart G, NC18449, in its permanent collection since 2000. The airplane currently resides in offsite storage. WAAAM Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum displays an operational Dart G, serial no. G-11, N20993. This airplane appeared in Tarnished Angels . Data from Simpson, 2001, p.170 General characteristics Performance Albert Mooney Albert W. Mooney (12 April 1906 – 7 May 1986)
4830-449: Was to lose himself in his work. However, when his brother Arthur retired in 1967, he realized that he was no longer enjoying his work, and retired in 1968. On 7 May 1986 in Dallas, Texas , Albert Mooney died at the age of 80. Wichita, Kansas Wichita ( / ˈ w ɪ tʃ ɪ t ɔː / WITCH -ih-taw ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Kansas and
4900-547: Was told there was no such thing as a safe aircraft and he should wait until college before pursuing the topic. Realizing his current schooling would provide limited access to his desires, he began spending time at the Denver Public Library, where he read all the available handbooks for pilots and designers. After his high school graduation, Mooney's plan of attending the Colorado School of Mines changed after he saw
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