Guggenheim Safe Aircraft Competition

The aircraft were to be judged against the following criteria: • Use a reliable powerplant • Be structurally sound • Carry of load per of engine power • Have adequate visibility for the pilot and observer • Demonstrate good stability • Be able to recover from abnormal flight conditions • Remain maneuverable, controllable, and safe if the engine failed during a steep climb • Have a maximum speed of at least , a minimum speed of at most , and a minimum gliding speed of at most • Be able to take off within and land within • Be able to clear a obstacle within of take-off and of landing ==Judges==

The judging panel comprised: • Orville Wright, Chairman • Admiral Richard E. Byrd, aviator and explorer • F. Trubee Davison, Assistant Secretary of War for Air • Dr. George W. Lewis, aeronautical engineer • William P. MacCracken, Jr. U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Aeronautics • Edward Pearson Warner, early aviation pioneer ==Entries==

The organizers originally anticipated over 100 entries, but by the closing date only twenty-seven applications were received. ==Results==

Flight tests were completed on January 1, 1930. The Curtiss Tanager and Handley Page Gugnunc were the only two aircraft to complete the entire testing program. The Gugnunc was unable to meet the glide test requirements, leaving the Tanager as the only fully qualified entry and therefore the winner. Of the other thirteen aircraft that presented for testing, three withdrew, two were damaged during testing and could not complete the program, and eight others were disqualified. The result was announced on January 6, 1930. However, the win led to legal action by Handley Page, because the company accused Curtiss of using their patented automatic wing slot design on the Tanager without permission. In a separate action, A. J. Leigh accused Handley Page of copying his "Safety Wing" design. These matters were never resolved in court. ==Notes==