Defending Liberty Field on Biplane Day  17 July

Eddy Rickenbacker Top American Ace

Dogfight over Liberty Field

von Richthoven the ruthless

The Theme Events

The Circus in WW1

The Circus was a maneuver, attributed to Richthoven, where the planes cruised in a circle high in the sun, over the expected route of intruders. The Circus itself was hard to attack. But when a plane was spotted below, the pilots dived down at it in sequence until it was destroyed.

The Circus at Liberty Field

In our version on Biplane Day the Circus will take off at 3 second intervals, and form up over the field. The intruders will tow 30 foot target streamers across the field. The first Circus pilot in position will attack at full throttle, in a dive. No intruder can outrun the Circus pilots who follow in a merciless procession.

The Cut

As our combat flyers know the light weight paper target streamer is usually cut by the wings (not the prop). When you dive down on it you can slice through it, then use your speed to zoom up for another climbing cut, etc.

Getting Ready

1) The takeoff is in "formation", with the planes lined up on the runway. On command the pilots leave at 3 second intervals and form a circle at 100 ft. This alone is quite impressive.

2) At least one Circus flight will be used to get everyone used to flying close in a tight circle. This is actually very comfortable since everyone can see each other. Just cruise along, holding a medium bank, and follow the guy in front of you. The upwind side of the circle has to be stretched slightly to keep the Circus in position.

The First Practice Attacks

The first action will be friendly practice because the target tugs will be friendly, i.e.. on the same side. They are instructed to tow straight and level at 50 ft. They are also ordered not to take evasive action.

Action for Real

For the later sorties the target planes have no restrictions. They may take evasive action, and even counter attack!

Aircraft Classes

We will have two classes: small = 32 oz and below, large = over 32 oz. The small planes will typically fly earlier before the wind gets up.

Eric's Sopwith Pup patrols Liberty Field    Photo  by Merle McGregor

Fokker Dr. 1,  1917,
Le Rhone 9J 9-cylinder
2 synchronized Spandau machine guns

When the Hipano Suizza engine was increased to 260 hp the SE5A became the weapon of choice for British aces.

Spence's Fokker D7 collected a few rounds in the rear fuselage.

Lots of Other Events

Above are the Theme Events for Biplane Day. There also numerous other events at which biplanes excel:

1) One-on-One combat. 2) Formation Flying. 3) Static Judging. 4) Cruising the Field so we can admire your biplane in the air. 5) Military Maneuvers (Split S, Immelman etc). 6) Demonstrate Your Favorite Maneuvers.  7) The Perfect Landing) 8) Shortest time for take off, 3 loops, 3 rolls and land.

Finale: Full Squadron formation takeoff and balloon bursting

The Pilots

Some of our biplane pilots are: Thomas Dagle -- Ultimate, Larry Gustafson -- Sopwith Camel, Spencer Greene -- Fokker D7, Garry Geving -- Pitts Special, Merle McGregor -- Pitts Special and Stearman, Eric Kirby -- Waco, Sopwith Pup, and SE5A,  Andrew Tickle -- SE5A and Gemini, Greg Huffman -- SE5A, Glenn Binkley -- Fokker D7, Bob Nellor  -- TBD