A good try, uncljoe; and it certainly meets the "blob" clue; but still not correct. These next clues should put you on track. Thanks; Ernie P.
Question: What warbird do I describe?
Clues:
- The genesis of this aircraft was an attempt to create a combat aircraft with a decided speed advantage.
- The plan was to design an aircraft that would be small and light.
- And, it would have less drag than most contemporary aircraft.
- Also, a lot of work was done on streamlining the design.
- Reducing drag was to be accomplished by eliminating the bracing and supports used by most current aircraft.
- This was only partially successful; but the final design was markedly less “cluttered” than anything else around.
- The aircraft proved to be quite fast for its day.
- And, it also proved to be really, really weird looking; for its day or any other time.
- Like really, seriously weird.
- In the end, the plane’s appearance proved too controversial, perhaps even too weird, for it to go into production.
- Only a couple of prototypes were produced.
- Although the plane was fast, it had some deficiencies.
- It was difficult to handle on the ground; particularly during landing.
- The center of gravity was high, causing instability.
- The landing gear track was very narrow.
- Also, the pilot had limited visibility during landing.
- The prototype had an excellent first flight.
- And a very hard landing, damaging the aircraft.
- The designer produced other, much more successful designs.
- The plane was quickly given a nickname matching its weird, and frankly ugly, appearance; basically a blob with short wings.
- The plane was an all wood biplane.
- First flight was in 1915.