The Abrams P-1 Explorer was a purpose-designed aerial photography and survey aircraft that first flew in November 1937. It was designed by aerial survey pioneer Talbert Abrams to best suit his needs for a stable aircraft with excellent visibility for this kind of work.

It was a low-wing metal monoplane of pod-and-boom configuration and fixed tricycle undercarriage. The nose section was extensively glazed and the pusher propeller was cowled-in.

World War II interrupted Abram's work, and the single aircraft built was put into storage for the duration of the war. Obsolete by the end of the conflict, it was donated to the National Air and Space Museum in 1948, where it remains today awaiting restoration.

Specifications (P-1 Explorer)

General Characteristics

• Crew: one pilot
• Length: 27 ft 9 in (8.3 m)
• Wingspan: 38 ft 6 in (11.7 m)
• Height: 6 ft 7 in (1.9 m)
• Wing area: ft² ( m²)
• Empty: 2,350 lb (1,067 kg)
• Loaded: lb ( kg)
• Maximum takeoff: lb ( kg)
• Powerplant: 1x Wright R-975 E-1, 330 hp (246 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 225 mph (360 km/h)
• Range: 1,400 miles (2,240 km)
• Service ceiling: 21,000 ft (6,402 m)
• Rate of climb: ft/min ( m/min)
• Wing loading: lb/ft² ( kg/m²)
• Power/Mass: hp/lb ( kW/kg)

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