New and Improved Voodoo
FlightLine Update 6/15/98- Voodoo Chile has been getting some serious attention as of late, the kind of attention that makes things go fast! Currently undergoing various modifications by Bill Destefanis Warbird Shop in Shafter, CA - she is starting to come together and could very well be a force to be reckoned with during the upcoming Reno 98 event. The aircraft, formerly Bill Spears Pegasus, made her debut at the 1995 Phoenix 500 Air Races and was flown by (then 'rookie' pilot) "Hurricane" Bob Hanna. For the air race fan, it was good to see that the aircraft would again be campaigned on the race circuit. Now, some three years later, we will perhaps see Voodoo Chile in top racing form for the first time. As one source stated after viewing the aircraft today, "It's gonna be slick!" Taking the best aerodynamic "knowns" from Strega and Dago Red, and also incorporating some new designs, Bob Buttons Voodoo Chile will soon have what it takes to compete with the big boys. Some of the modifications to the aircraft will remain known only to a certain few, but we can at least discuss a few. Last year we saw Voodoo Chile in bare metal finish - with her new racing canopy. This year the modifications will be less discernible, however these mods will be far more effective in Voodoos quest for speed. |
The wing has received extensive modifications including an aft faring
similar to, but more pronounced than that of Strega. The most obvious modification
from stock is that the wingspan has
been shortened (or "clipped") to approximately 32 ½ feet. Voodoo Chile has
always had clipped wings - and at Reno '97 appeared with a clipped horizontal tail. But
whats new and not so apparent is that the area of the wing surrounding the main gear
wheel wells and the covers themselves have been aerodynamically "enhanced".
Changes also include putting a super slick surface on the top and bottom of the wing. We
haven't been able to ascertain the wing tip design, but it is rumored to be akin to what Dago
Red currently has. More than a few well placed individuals have stated, "Basically,
the wing is now a 'Dago Red' clone." The aircraft has also been fitted with a new all composite engine cowling and new carburetor intake (ala Strega) and it has been reported that it will be sporting a "new design" radiator scoop and aft door. Not much is known about this new scoop - well have to wait until September to see what it looks like - but we know that Stregas scoop and spray-bar design has added some 15 mph+ to its top speed. We also know that a member from the Dago camp is assisting in the modifications. The new design scoop may indeed add even more speed to Voodoo Chile. However, scoop and spray-bar design is a closely guarded secret among competitors, so this will likely remain an unknown. |
Aside from all the aerodynamic mods, we are left with the main component
of a winning aircraft - the powerplant. The one chosen for Reno 98 will be a
Dwight Thorn prepared race-ready Merlin. For those of you who dont already know -
Dwights engines are race proven winners and are the engines of choice for Unlimited
competitors such as Dago Red and Strega. Dagos 1996 qualifying
speed of 490+ mph should give you a pretty good idea that these engines are capable of
producing blistering speeds! Will this "Strego" clone perform as well or better than it's contemporaries? Who's to say one way or the other. Initial plans call for the work to be completed approximately August 1st with Bob Hanna slated for the piloting duties during initial shakedown flights, as well as the primary pilot for the Reno event. One thing is certain, if the work is completed on schedule and all systems check-out race ready, then it will definitely be well placed to take it's spot among one of Reno's fastest Unlimiteds. |
Thats about it for now but rest assured were still digging for the good stuff.
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Story, Photography and graphic processing: Mark Kallio Edited by Wayne Sagar |
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