![]() To convert for ground operation, the two wings were separately detached by first removing the pins from the lower wing strut attach points and then swinging the struts outboard to be used as a stand. The wheel brakes, ground accelerator pedal and a foot button starter switch were the only controls on the floor. This same wheel was also used to turn the nose wheel for steering during ground operation. The only device used for flight control was a wheel yoke that was suspended from the cabin ceiling in front of the pilot. The only expensive aircraft quality instruments used were the magnetic compass, air speed indicator, and altimeter. Waterman used as many standard auto components as possible, including Studebaker radiator, interior knobs and parts, hood grill, starter, generator, battery, and engine, Ford radiator grill and gear reduction assembly, Austin steering wheel, and Willys headlight, internal differential gears, and wheel brakes. The aircraft was required to meet the certification criteria for both the Bureau of Air Commerce and the state motor vehicle departments. This idea required the development of a transmission drive system that would operate the propeller for flight and the rear wheels for ground operation. The Bureau of Air Commerce's recognition of the Arrowplane prompted Waterman to form the Waterman Arrowplane Corporation in Santa Monica, California, and develop a roadable version of the aircraft known as the Arrowbile. ![]() While the Arrowplane was not roadable, it was a major advance toward achieving Waterman's ultimate goal of a roadable airplane. Automobile style doors allowed entry into the side-by-side passenger cabin. The airplane was powered by a four-cylinder, 95 HP Menasco C-4 air-cooled inline engine mounted in a pusher configuration in the rear of the passenger/crew nacelle. Pitch was controlled by the fore and aft movement of the control column and a turn of the control wheel resulted in a perfectly coordinated banked turn. This essentially made the airplane stall and spin-proof. To fulfill Vidal's easy-to-fly requirements, a two control. Outboard deflection of the rudders provided a speed brake function. ![]() Flight control was provided by wing mounted elevons and wing tip mounted multi function rudders. The resulting prototype "Arrowplane" was a much more stable two-place, high-wing tailless cabin monoplane equipped with a tricycle landing gear. Waterman sought to adapt the "Whatsit" design to meet those requirements. ![]() In response to the safe airplane competition, Mr. The "Whatsit," also in the Museum's collection, was the test bed that led to the Arrowplane, In 1932, Waterman designed and test flew a Kinner-powered tailless low-wing pusher that was nicknamed "Whatsit" by bystanders who were puzzled by the strange configuration of the airplane. In 1911, pioneer aviator Glenn Curtiss commented to Waldo Waterman of Santa Monica, California, about how nice it would be to drive his amphibian aircraft away from the landing field or water and thus inspired Waterman to begin work on tailless roadable airplane. Bureau of Air Commerce Chief Eugene Vidal's initiative AB-205 for "everyman's safe, low-cost, airplane." The target price of $700 for a flivver aircraft was widely ridiculed as too low, even at depression prices, because of practical engine and manufacturing costs, but Vidal found significant general interest in the concept. The Arrowplane was initially designed in response to U. The Waterman Aerobile #6 is the improved version of the design. In 1934, the Bureau of Air Commerce recognized the Waterman Arrowplane as one of two award-winning designs for its light, easy-to-fly, affordable aircraft competition. It received FAA certification in the experimental category in 1957, but no market materialized. Painted in "Buick blue," it had many standard Studebaker, Ford, Austin, and Willys automobile parts to keep the price down and maintain the look of a car. The one-piece wing was removed by moving a lever and pins. The Aerobile was a two-place, high-wing, cabin monoplane with a transmission drive system that operated the propeller in the air and the rear wheels on the ground. Waldo Waterman's improved Arrowplane, the Aerobile #6, fulfilled his dream of designing a tailless roadable airplane. In 1934, the Bureau of Air Commerce recognized the Waterman Arrowplane as one of the two award-winning designs for its flivver (i.e., light, easy-to-fly and affordable) aircraft competition. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media.
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