27 October 2020

Racing and record aircraft Caundron C-460, 1932-1936, France

Racing and record aircraft Caundron C-460, 1932-1936, France

There was an event that outraged Americans. In 1936, French pilot Michelle Detroit won twice in the L-A Nation Air Race.

Michelle Detroit won the Thompson’s Trophy (15 laps, length of 241 km) in his Caudron C-460 at 425,3 km/h, the second to the finish came American Ortman in Keith Rider R-3 at 399 km/h. The French pilot won the Greve Trophy with the second American also.

Winning two races was the reason why American pilots complained. They accused Michelle Detroit of racing on a government-provided plane while the Americans flew planes built by amateurs. The result of that protest was the cessation of the participation of foreigners in national air races.

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