Initial flight tests proved the aircraft required more rudder area to maintain stability and the fixed pitch propeller needed to be adjusted to allow takeoffs under a mile in length. • 1931
National Air Races piloted by
Jimmy Doolittle wins the
Bendix Trophy at a 223 mph average speed. • 1931
Thompson Trophy - Trial runs prove difficult, with aileron reversal occurring at speed. The main wing spar crushed from race loads, requires steel patches. Doolittle drops out of the race with engine trouble due to a scuffed piston. • 1931 In October, Doolittle flies the Super Solution on a flight between
Ottawa, Ontario,
Washington D.C., and
Mexico City, setting a new speed record between the capitals of 12 hours, 36 minutes. • 1932 In August, the
Shell Oil sponsored Solution is test flown by Doolittle with new retractable gear. The aircraft is damaged in a gear-up landing, and Doolittle switches to the
Gee Bee R-1. The Solution is shipped to Shell Oil in St.Louis, then later donated to the Smithsonian's
National Air and Space Museum by the
Swallow Aircraft Company in 1948. == On display ==