Challenge 1934
Encyclopedia
The Challenge 1934 was the fourth and last FAI
International Tourist Plane Contest , that took place between August 28 and September 16, 1934 in Warsaw
, Poland
. The four Challenges, from 1929 to 1934, were major aviation events in pre-war Europe. The 1934 Challenge was won by the Polish pilots, who had also won the previous year
.
organized the contest, because a Polish pilot Franciszek Żwirko won the previous Challenge
in 1932
. In June 1933 the contest rules were announced. Like the previous contest, it consisted of three parts: technical trials, a rally
over Europe
and a maximum speed trial, but their details changed. Since one of the aims of the Challenges was to stimulate progress in tourist aircraft development, this time a stress in grading scale was put upon aircraft performance and quality, however pilots' skills remained crucial.
The opening ceremony was held on August 28, 1934 at noon at Mokotowskie field
in Warsaw (the Italian team was late by two hours due to weather and arrived during the ceremony). During an air show, a Polish fighter PZL P.7
a performing aerobatics crashed, but the pilot survived with injuries.
The number of crews and aircraft that eventually took part in the 1934 Challenge was smaller - 34 compared to 43 in 1932 Challenge, because the contest was getting more difficult with time. The aircraft flew with two-man crews (pilot and mechanic). Teams from only four countries entered the Challenge in 1934: Poland
(12 crews), Germany
(13 crews), Italy
(6 crews) and Czechoslovakia
(3 crews). The British aviator Walter MacPherson entered the contest in the Polish team. The French team of eight crews resigned from the contest, because a development of the new plane Caudron C.500
had not finished in time and its weight was too big. The first prize in the Challenge was 100,000 French franc
, the second - 40,000 FRF, the third 20,000 FRF, the fourth - 10,000 FRF, 15 other crews would get 6,000 FRF.
, but it was modified as well. All these aircraft were monoplane
s with 3 or 4 seats in an enclosed cab, an advanced wing mechanization (flaps
, slats
and some other devices) and mixed or metal construction.
Most aircraft were fast cantilever
low-wing monoplanes: the German Messerschmitt Bf 108
(4), Fieseler Fi 97
(5) and Klemm Kl 36
(4), the Polish PZL.26
(5) and the Italian Pallavicino PS-1 (2) or braced low-wing monoplanes: the Czechoslovak Aero A.200
(2) and the Italian Breda Ba.39
(2) and Ba.42 (2). An exception were the basic aircraft of the Polish team - high-wing braced monoplanes RWD-9
(7), one of which was also flown by the Czech crew, and the Puss Moth. Of those, Bf 108 and PS-1 had a retractable landing gear
.
The German aircraft had starting numbers from a range: 12-26, the Italian: 41-46, the Czechoslovak: 51-54 and the Polish: 61-81 (numbers were placed on fuselages in a black square frame).
Technical evaluation lasted until September 4, and most points were given to Bf 108
s (450-452 pts), then Pallavicino PS-1 (438 pts), Fi 97
s (428-431 pts), Aero A.200
(429 pts) and RWD-9
(427 pts). The rest followed: Klemm Kl 36
- 394-407 pts, PZL.26
- 383 pts, Puss Moth
- 373 pts and Bredas - 323-346 pts.
On September 3-4, there was a short take off trial, which required the crews to fly over an 8 m high gate. The best was the Czech Vojtěch Žaček, taking off from the closest distance 74.5 m (Aero A.200), then Jerzy Bajan (RWD-9) and Ján Ambruš
with the second A.200. The Polish RWD-9s and PZL.26s and the German Fi 97s were also high, while the Italians and most other German aircraft appeared worse, with results above 100 m. For comparison, the best result from the previous Challenge was 91.6 m.
After the technical evaluation and the short take-off trial, on September 4, leaders were the Germans flying Bf 108s: Theo Osterkamp
(597 points), Werner Junck
(596 points) and Otto Brindlinger (594 points), then Vojtěch Žaček (A.200, 594 points), Jerzy Bajan (RWD-9, 591 points) and Ján Ambruš
(A.200, 591 points), then German Fi 97s and Polish RWD-9s.
Next, on September 4-5 followed a short landing trial, behind an 8-m high gate. The best result, 75 m (210 points) achieved Hans Seidemann
(Fi 97). In the first ten scores there were other Fieselers, the Polish RWD-9s and PZL.26s and MacPherson's Puss Moth. The Czech A.200s had worse results (above 117 m), along with Bredas and Bf 108s. The best result from the previous Challenge was 92.4 m.
A fuel consumption trial on a 594-km closed circuit was held on September 5. The best were three Bf 108
s, scoring 86-95 pts, then five Poles with 73-79 points. Quite good results scored also the Italians, while the German Fi 97s and Kl 36s and the Czechs were worse in this trial.
After further trials had been completed, on September 5 the leaders of a general classification changed and remained similar until the end of this part. Leaders were: Jerzy Bajan (RWD-9S, 875 pts), Tadeusz Karpiński (RWD-9S, 856 pts), Hans Seidemann
(Fi 97, 850 pts), Gerhard Hubrich (Fi 97, 848 pts), Stanisław Płonczyński (RWD-9, 844 pts), then Karl Francke (Bf 108), Jan Buczyński (RWD-9), Wolf Hirth
(Fi 97), Szczepan Grzeszczyk (PZL.26).
A minimal speed trial started on August 31, but it had to be continued on September 2 due to weather and some crews completed it only on September 6. The Pole Jerzy Bajan
flying the RWD-9
was the slowest with 54.14 km/h speed. Good results below 60 km/h obtained also other RWD-9s, the Czechs and the German Kl 36s and Fi 97s, the worst were Italian Bredas - above 75 km/h, what was not scored (a new device - slots in wings fitted in Bredas, proved useless in practice).
On September 1 there was a trial of quick folding of wings, which was a feature to save place in hangars. Also plane's dimensions and the way of folding were awarded. The trial was completed only on September 6, and first 7 results were of RWD-9s with 36 points, followed by 4 Italians.
One German and one Italian crews damaged their aircraft during technical trials (Bf 108 and PS-1) and had to quit. It was however the best ratio of crews to complete the technical trials of all Challenges. Generally, top places were taken by RWD-9s and Fi 97s, while Bf 108s, Kl 36s and PZL.26s proved average, and Italian machines closed a list with 559-801 points.
- Königsberg
- Berlin
- Köln
- Brussels
- Paris
- Bordeaux
- Pau - Madrid
- Seville
- Casablanca
- Meknes
- Sidi Bel Abbes
- Algiers
(stage waypoint) - Biskra
- Tunis
- Palermo
- Naples
- Rome
- Rimini
- Zagreb
- Vienna
- Brno
- Prague
- Katowice
- Lwów - Wilno - Warsaw. There were also 8 checkpoints, among others, in Tanger, Messina and Castelfranco Veneto
. The route was far longer and more difficult, than in previous contests. Awarded were, first of all, a cruise speed on a whole track, then a regularity of flight. Three nights apart from appointed airfields or a cruise speed below 130 km/h caused disqualification.
The rally started on September 7, in rain, between 5 and 5.30 am. The Bf 108s could take advantage of their speed and were first to reach Berlin
. That day 24 fastest crews reached Paris
, flying 1752.4 km (10 Poles, 8 Germans, 3 Czechs and 3 Italians). The German Wolfgang Stein (Kl 36) and the Italian team's captain Ambrogio Colombo (Ba-42) had to land and quit due to engine faults. Several crews had similar problems, but managed to repair them.
On the next day, many crews, who started early, especially flying Bf 108s, had problems with locating an airfield in Bordeaux
due to heavy fog and had forced landings, lowering their cruise speed (on that occasion, Theo Osterkamp
and Gerhard Hubrich had problems with the local police). One Klemm Kl 36 was damaged during a forced landing and had to withdraw (Ernst Krüger). Most - 14 crews reached Seville
that day, 9 stayed in Madrid
, while last two crews remained in Bordeaux
, including Stanisław Płonczyński (RWD-9). Two Poles (Andrzej Włodarkiewicz and Szczepan Grzeszczyk on PZL.26s) reached as far, as Casablanca
(3715.2 km).
On September 9 all crews, that remained in the rally, reached Africa, with Andrzej Włodarkiewicz and three Bf 108s being in the lead. 18 crews reached Algiers
that day (9 Poles, 6 Germans and 3 Czechs), flying 4774 km in total. Last two crews reached Meknes
, including Stanisław Płonczyński. Several crews withdrew that day: Fritz Morzik (the winner of 1929 and 1930 Challenges, flying Kl 36) had three forced landings before Algiers due to a fuel pump fault, also Szczepan Grzeszczyk's PZL.26's engine failed and he had a forced landing before Sidi Bel Abbes
. Other German Kraft Eberhard (Kl 36) withdrew in Spain due to wing damage, the Pole Tadeusz Karpiński (RWD-9) quit in Seville because of low cruise speed, and one Italian quit because of illness (Pierro de Angeli). On September 10 the rest reached Algiers, and thus 24 crews completed the first part of the rally. The Pole Stefan Florjanowicz (RWD-9) had to withdraw there due to engine fault.
The contestants left Algiers on September 11, after a rest, and 23 crews reached Tunis
that day. On September 12, the crews left for Palermo
, over the Mediterranean Sea
. The flight was secured by the Italian Navy and the French floatplanes. 22 crews reached Rome
that day, one Italian pilot withdrew due to engine damage.
On September 13 the weather was bad, but all but two crews reached Prague
(7924 km). The fastest that day was Theo Osterkamp
(Bf 108), but other two Bf 108 pilots had forced landings near Trieste
due to weather and spent night at Zagreb
, what lowered their cruise speed.
On September 14, sixteen crews finished in Warsaw, greeted by crowds, the first was the Pole Ignacy Giedgowd (PZL-26). Among them were five Poles, six Germans, three Czechs and two Italians. That day, the fastest Polish pilot Andrzej Włodarkiewicz (PZL-26) had to land near Tarnów
before Lwów and withdrew due to engine fault, also Walter MacPherson (Puss Moth) dropped out for the same reason before Lwów.
On September 15 last three crews reached Warsaw (Werner Junck
and Karl Francke flying Bf 108s and Piotr Dudziński flying PZL.26). The last to drop out was Jan Balcer (PZL.26) due to a compressor damage, before Wilno. Fritz Morzik (Kl 36), Tadeusz Karpiński (RWD-9) and Andrzej Włodarkiewicz (PZL.26) finished that day in Warsaw, after repairing their aircraft, flying off the contest.
Only 19 crews out of 32 completed the rally. The only team to finish in complete was the Czechoslovak one; apart from their A.200s, all Fieseler Fi 97s completed the contest. In spite of highest maximum cruise speeds, a result of fastest Bf 108s was hampered by low cruise speeds in other stages of the rally. Best results were obtained by pilots, who managed to maintain a good cruise speed during the whole rally. All participants, who completed the rally, scored maximal amount of 160 points for regularity, spending nights on appointed airfields only.
After the technical trials and the race, Jerzy Bajan held first place in the general classification with 1855 points, with Stanisław Płonczyński in second with 1821 pts, Hans Seidemann in third with 1813 pts, followed by two Czechs, Ján Ambruš
(1795 pts) and Jan Anderle (1770 pts). Bf 108 pilots were 12th (Werner Junck
- 1733 pts), 13th (Theo Osterkamp
- 1729 pts) and 15th (Karl Francke - 1715 pts).
Due to a handicapping
system, contestants took off in order of general classification, with proper intervals, and an amount of points given in the speed trial meant, that the first on the finishing line would be the winner of the contest. Each km/h above 210 km/h was awarded with one point.
The fastest were three German Bf 108s, with Theo Osterkamp at the lead (291 km/h). Next three places were taken by the Polish RWD-9s: Stanisław Płonczyński, Jan Buczyński, Jerzy Bajan and Henryk Skrzypiński, the later ex eaquo with Hans Seidemann (Fi 97). The Pole Ignacy Giedgowd (PZL.26) and the Italian Ernesto Sanzin (Ba-39S) had to land due to engine faults and scored 0 points.
Bf 108s managed to improve their positions, but first four places in general classification have not changed. The first contestants arrived in order: Bajan - Płonczyński - Seidemann - Ambruz - Osterkamp - Junck.
A closing ceremony was held soon after the maximum speed test on September 16. The winners were the Polish crew of pilot Jerzy Bajan
and mechanic Gustaw Pokrzywka. Their success was not only a result of their aviation skills, but also of the technical features of their Polish-designed RWD-9
. Due to their victory, Poland had a right to organize the next Challenge in 1936, but it decided not to, because of financial reasons. The FAI proposed that other countries organize the contest, but Germany, Italy and France declined. The 1934 Challenge remained the last Challenge and the Polish Aero Club
was given a right to retain a transitory cup.
Fédération Aéronautique Internationale
The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale is the world governing body for air sports and aeronautics and astronautics world records. Its head office is in Lausanne, Switzerland. This includes man-carrying aerospace vehicles from balloons to spacecraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles...
International Tourist Plane Contest , that took place between August 28 and September 16, 1934 in Warsaw
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, roughly from the Baltic Sea and from the Carpathian Mountains. Its population in 2010 was estimated at 1,716,855 residents with a greater metropolitan area of 2,631,902 residents, making Warsaw the 10th most...
, Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
. The four Challenges, from 1929 to 1934, were major aviation events in pre-war Europe. The 1934 Challenge was won by the Polish pilots, who had also won the previous year
Challenge 1932
The Challenge 1932 was the third FAI International Tourist Plane Contest , that took place between 12 and August 28, 1932 in Berlin, Germany. The four Challenges, from 1929 to 1934, were major aviation events in pre-war Europe.-Overview:...
.
Overview
Poland and the Polish Aero ClubPolish Aero Club
Aeroklub Polski is the Polish central association of persons practising air sports or recreational flying. It was founded in 1921 and is a member of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. It has a headquarters in Warsaw....
organized the contest, because a Polish pilot Franciszek Żwirko won the previous Challenge
Challenge 1932
The Challenge 1932 was the third FAI International Tourist Plane Contest , that took place between 12 and August 28, 1932 in Berlin, Germany. The four Challenges, from 1929 to 1934, were major aviation events in pre-war Europe.-Overview:...
in 1932
1932 in aviation
This is a list of aviation-related events from 1932:- Events :* The Canadian Siskins aerobatic team is retired.* James Work founds the Brewster Aeronautical Corporation.-January:...
. In June 1933 the contest rules were announced. Like the previous contest, it consisted of three parts: technical trials, a rally
Rallying
Rallying, also known as rally racing, is a form of auto racing that takes place on public or private roads with modified production or specially built road-legal cars...
over Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
and a maximum speed trial, but their details changed. Since one of the aims of the Challenges was to stimulate progress in tourist aircraft development, this time a stress in grading scale was put upon aircraft performance and quality, however pilots' skills remained crucial.
The opening ceremony was held on August 28, 1934 at noon at Mokotowskie field
Pole Mokotowskie
Pole Mokotowskie is a large park in Warsaw. Part of it is called "Józef Piłsudski Park."...
in Warsaw (the Italian team was late by two hours due to weather and arrived during the ceremony). During an air show, a Polish fighter PZL P.7
PZL P.7
-References:NotesBibliography* Cynk, Jerzy B. History of the Polish Air Force 1918-1968. Reading, Berkshire, UK: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 1972.* Cynk, Jerzy B. Polish Aircraft, 1893-1939. London: Putnam & Company Ltd., 1971. ISBN 0-370-00085-4....
a performing aerobatics crashed, but the pilot survived with injuries.
The number of crews and aircraft that eventually took part in the 1934 Challenge was smaller - 34 compared to 43 in 1932 Challenge, because the contest was getting more difficult with time. The aircraft flew with two-man crews (pilot and mechanic). Teams from only four countries entered the Challenge in 1934: Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
(12 crews), Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
(13 crews), Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
(6 crews) and Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia or Czecho-Slovakia was a sovereign state in Central Europe which existed from October 1918, when it declared its independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, until 1992...
(3 crews). The British aviator Walter MacPherson entered the contest in the Polish team. The French team of eight crews resigned from the contest, because a development of the new plane Caudron C.500
Caudron Simoun
|-See also:* Antoine de Saint Exupéry's desert crash-External links:*...
had not finished in time and its weight was too big. The first prize in the Challenge was 100,000 French franc
French franc
The franc was a currency of France. Along with the Spanish peseta, it was also a de facto currency used in Andorra . Between 1360 and 1641, it was the name of coins worth 1 livre tournois and it remained in common parlance as a term for this amount of money...
, the second - 40,000 FRF, the third 20,000 FRF, the fourth - 10,000 FRF, 15 other crews would get 6,000 FRF.
Aircraft
The Challenge was to be a contest of tourist aircraft, so competing aircraft had to be able to take at least two persons aboard, take off and land on a short field and cover a distance with a good cruise speed. For this Challenge, all countries designed new aircraft especially to meet the contest demands, the only exception was a single MacPherson's de Havilland Puss MothDe Havilland Puss Moth
|-See also:-References:* Jackson, A.J. British Civil Aircraft since 1919 . London, Putnam, 1974. ISBN 0-370-10010-7-External links:*...
, but it was modified as well. All these aircraft were monoplane
Monoplane
A monoplane is a fixed-wing aircraft with one main set of wing surfaces, in contrast to a biplane or triplane. Since the late 1930s it has been the most common form for a fixed wing aircraft.-Types of monoplane:...
s with 3 or 4 seats in an enclosed cab, an advanced wing mechanization (flaps
Flap (aircraft)
Flaps are normally hinged surfaces mounted on the trailing edges of the wings of a fixed-wing aircraft to reduce the speed an aircraft can be safely flown at and to increase the angle of descent for landing without increasing air speed. They shorten takeoff and landing distances as well as...
, slats
Leading edge slats
Slats are aerodynamic surfaces on the leading edge of the wings of fixed-wing aircraft which, when deployed, allow the wing to operate at a higher angle of attack. A higher coefficient of lift is produced as a result of angle of attack and speed, so by deploying slats an aircraft can fly at slower...
and some other devices) and mixed or metal construction.
Cantilever
A cantilever is a beam anchored at only one end. The beam carries the load to the support where it is resisted by moment and shear stress. Cantilever construction allows for overhanging structures without external bracing. Cantilevers can also be constructed with trusses or slabs.This is in...
low-wing monoplanes: the German Messerschmitt Bf 108
Messerschmitt Bf 108
-Popular culture:Bf 108s and postwar Nord 1000s, played the role of Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters in war movies, including The Longest Day, 633 Squadron, Von Ryan's Express and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.-See also:-References:Notes...
(4), Fieseler Fi 97
Fieseler Fi 97
|-References:* The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft , 1985, Orbis Publishing, Page 1812/3* -External links:*...
(5) and Klemm Kl 36
Klemm Kl 36
|-See also:-References:* Marian Krzyżan: "Międzynarodowe turnieje lotnicze 1929-1934", WKiŁ, Warsaw 1988, ISBN 83-206-0637-3 *...
(4), the Polish PZL.26
PZL.26
|-References:*Andrzej Glass: Polskie konstrukcje lotnicze 1893-1939 , WKiŁ, Warsaw 1977 -See also:...
(5) and the Italian Pallavicino PS-1 (2) or braced low-wing monoplanes: the Czechoslovak Aero A.200
Aero A.200
|-References:*Marian Krzyżan: "Międzynarodowe turnieje lotnicze 1929-1934", Warsaw 1988, ISBN 83-206-0637-3 -External links:*...
(2) and the Italian Breda Ba.39
Breda Ba.39
-References:* Sapienza Fracchia, Antonio Luis: "La Contribución Italiana en la Aviación Paraguaya". Author's edition. Asunción, 2007. 300pp....
(2) and Ba.42 (2). An exception were the basic aircraft of the Polish team - high-wing braced monoplanes RWD-9
RWD-9
The RWD 9 was a Polish sports plane of 1934, constructed by the RWD team.-Development:The aircraft was a further development of the RWD 6 - the winner of the IIIrd Challenge de Tourisme International Challenge 1932 international tourist aircraft contest...
(7), one of which was also flown by the Czech crew, and the Puss Moth. Of those, Bf 108 and PS-1 had a retractable landing gear
Landing Gear
Landing Gear is Devin the Dude's fifth studio album. It was released on October 7, 2008. It was his first studio album since signing with the label Razor & Tie. It features a high-profile guest appearance from Snoop Dogg. As of October 30, 2008, the album has sold 18,906 copies.-Track...
.
The German aircraft had starting numbers from a range: 12-26, the Italian: 41-46, the Czechoslovak: 51-54 and the Polish: 61-81 (numbers were placed on fuselages in a black square frame).
Technical trials
On August 29 the technical evaluation of the competing planes' construction started. Since it was a tourist plane contest, features such as: a comfortable cabin with a good view, a presence of the third and fourth seats, seats placed side-by-side, a rich set of controls, ease and time of engine starting, ease of wings' folding, safety devices and a modern construction with usage of metal, were also awarded with points. The view was evaluated by placing a lamp in the cab, in a dark hangar and examining light area. All the German aircraft, two Italian and the Puss Moth exceeded empty weight limit of 560.56 kg and had to have some unnecessary parts dismounted. The first technical trial to be completed was a quick engine starting, carried on 31 August-1 September. Most aircraft scored maximum 24 points in it.Technical evaluation lasted until September 4, and most points were given to Bf 108
Messerschmitt Bf 108
-Popular culture:Bf 108s and postwar Nord 1000s, played the role of Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters in war movies, including The Longest Day, 633 Squadron, Von Ryan's Express and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.-See also:-References:Notes...
s (450-452 pts), then Pallavicino PS-1 (438 pts), Fi 97
Fieseler Fi 97
|-References:* The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft , 1985, Orbis Publishing, Page 1812/3* -External links:*...
s (428-431 pts), Aero A.200
Aero A.200
|-References:*Marian Krzyżan: "Międzynarodowe turnieje lotnicze 1929-1934", Warsaw 1988, ISBN 83-206-0637-3 -External links:*...
(429 pts) and RWD-9
RWD-9
The RWD 9 was a Polish sports plane of 1934, constructed by the RWD team.-Development:The aircraft was a further development of the RWD 6 - the winner of the IIIrd Challenge de Tourisme International Challenge 1932 international tourist aircraft contest...
(427 pts). The rest followed: Klemm Kl 36
Klemm Kl 36
|-See also:-References:* Marian Krzyżan: "Międzynarodowe turnieje lotnicze 1929-1934", WKiŁ, Warsaw 1988, ISBN 83-206-0637-3 *...
- 394-407 pts, PZL.26
PZL.26
|-References:*Andrzej Glass: Polskie konstrukcje lotnicze 1893-1939 , WKiŁ, Warsaw 1977 -See also:...
- 383 pts, Puss Moth
De Havilland Puss Moth
|-See also:-References:* Jackson, A.J. British Civil Aircraft since 1919 . London, Putnam, 1974. ISBN 0-370-10010-7-External links:*...
- 373 pts and Bredas - 323-346 pts.
On September 3-4, there was a short take off trial, which required the crews to fly over an 8 m high gate. The best was the Czech Vojtěch Žaček, taking off from the closest distance 74.5 m (Aero A.200), then Jerzy Bajan (RWD-9) and Ján Ambruš
Jan Ambrus
Wing Commander Jan K Ambrus OBE was a Czechoslovakian fighter pilot who flew with the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain.- Early life :...
with the second A.200. The Polish RWD-9s and PZL.26s and the German Fi 97s were also high, while the Italians and most other German aircraft appeared worse, with results above 100 m. For comparison, the best result from the previous Challenge was 91.6 m.
| Top results of the short take-off trial | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot | country | aircraft | distance | points | |
| 1. | Vojtěch Žaček | Aero A.200 | 74.5 m | 141 pts | |
| 2. | Jerzy Bajan Jerzy Bajan Jerzy Bajan was a prominent Polish sports and military aviator, winner of the Challenge 1934 contest.-Early military career:... |
RWD-9S | 76.1 m | 140 pts | |
| 3. | Ján Ambruš Jan Ambrus Wing Commander Jan K Ambrus OBE was a Czechoslovakian fighter pilot who flew with the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain.- Early life :... |
Aero A.200 | 77.6 m | 138 pts | |
| 4. | Szczepan Grzeszczyk | PZL.26 | 78.2 m | 138 pts | |
| 5. | Gerhard Hubrich |  Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 | 78.3 m | 138 pts |
After the technical evaluation and the short take-off trial, on September 4, leaders were the Germans flying Bf 108s: Theo Osterkamp
Theo Osterkamp
Theodor "Theo" Osterkamp was a World War I and World War II Luftwaffe fighter ace. He flew in the first World War, scoring 32 victories...
(597 points), Werner Junck
Werner Junck
Werner Junck was a German World War II Luftwaffe Generalleutnant and the one time commander of Fliegerführer Irak...
(596 points) and Otto Brindlinger (594 points), then Vojtěch Žaček (A.200, 594 points), Jerzy Bajan (RWD-9, 591 points) and Ján Ambruš
Jan Ambrus
Wing Commander Jan K Ambrus OBE was a Czechoslovakian fighter pilot who flew with the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain.- Early life :...
(A.200, 591 points), then German Fi 97s and Polish RWD-9s.
Next, on September 4-5 followed a short landing trial, behind an 8-m high gate. The best result, 75 m (210 points) achieved Hans Seidemann
Hans Seidemann
Hans Seidemann was a World War II Luftwaffe general. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves...
(Fi 97). In the first ten scores there were other Fieselers, the Polish RWD-9s and PZL.26s and MacPherson's Puss Moth. The Czech A.200s had worse results (above 117 m), along with Bredas and Bf 108s. The best result from the previous Challenge was 92.4 m.
| Top results of the short landing trial | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot | country | aircraft | distance | points | |
| 1. | Hans Seidemann Hans Seidemann Hans Seidemann was a World War II Luftwaffe general. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves... |
Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 | 75 m | 210 pts |
| 2. | Tadeusz Karpiński | PZL.26 | 78.2 m | 138 pts | |
| 3. | Gerhard Hubrich | Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 | 79 m | 206 pts |
| 4. | Andrzej Włodarkiewicz | PZL.26 | 79.7 m | 205 pts | |
| 5. | Jerzy Bajan Jerzy Bajan Jerzy Bajan was a prominent Polish sports and military aviator, winner of the Challenge 1934 contest.-Early military career:... |
RWD-9S | 79.8 m | 205 pts | |
| 6. | Walter MacPherson | / | DH-80A De Havilland Puss Moth |-See also:-References:* Jackson, A.J. British Civil Aircraft since 1919 . London, Putnam, 1974. ISBN 0-370-10010-7-External links:*... |
80.8 m | 203 pts |
A fuel consumption trial on a 594-km closed circuit was held on September 5. The best were three Bf 108
Messerschmitt Bf 108
-Popular culture:Bf 108s and postwar Nord 1000s, played the role of Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters in war movies, including The Longest Day, 633 Squadron, Von Ryan's Express and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.-See also:-References:Notes...
s, scoring 86-95 pts, then five Poles with 73-79 points. Quite good results scored also the Italians, while the German Fi 97s and Kl 36s and the Czechs were worse in this trial.
| Top results of the fuel consumption trial | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot | country | aircraft | kg/100 km | points | |
| 1. | Karl Francke | Nazi Germany |
Bf 108A | 10.5 | 95 pts |
| 2. | Werner Junck Werner Junck Werner Junck was a German World War II Luftwaffe Generalleutnant and the one time commander of Fliegerführer Irak... |
Nazi Germany |
Bf 108A | 11.07 | 90 pts |
| 3. | Theo Osterkamp Theo Osterkamp Theodor "Theo" Osterkamp was a World War I and World War II Luftwaffe fighter ace. He flew in the first World War, scoring 32 victories... |
Nazi Germany |
Bf 108A | 11.48 | 86 pts |
| 4. | Jerzy Bajan Jerzy Bajan Jerzy Bajan was a prominent Polish sports and military aviator, winner of the Challenge 1934 contest.-Early military career:... |
RWD-9S | 12.11 | 79 pts | |
| 5. | Szczepan Grzeszczyk | PZL.26 | 12.26 | 78 pts |
After further trials had been completed, on September 5 the leaders of a general classification changed and remained similar until the end of this part. Leaders were: Jerzy Bajan (RWD-9S, 875 pts), Tadeusz Karpiński (RWD-9S, 856 pts), Hans Seidemann
Hans Seidemann
Hans Seidemann was a World War II Luftwaffe general. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves...
(Fi 97, 850 pts), Gerhard Hubrich (Fi 97, 848 pts), Stanisław Płonczyński (RWD-9, 844 pts), then Karl Francke (Bf 108), Jan Buczyński (RWD-9), Wolf Hirth
Wolf Hirth
Wolfram Kurt Erhard Hirth was a German gliding pioneer and sailplane designer. He was a co-founder of Schempp-Hirth, still a renowned glider manufacturer....
(Fi 97), Szczepan Grzeszczyk (PZL.26).
A minimal speed trial started on August 31, but it had to be continued on September 2 due to weather and some crews completed it only on September 6. The Pole Jerzy Bajan
Jerzy Bajan
Jerzy Bajan was a prominent Polish sports and military aviator, winner of the Challenge 1934 contest.-Early military career:...
flying the RWD-9
RWD-9
The RWD 9 was a Polish sports plane of 1934, constructed by the RWD team.-Development:The aircraft was a further development of the RWD 6 - the winner of the IIIrd Challenge de Tourisme International Challenge 1932 international tourist aircraft contest...
was the slowest with 54.14 km/h speed. Good results below 60 km/h obtained also other RWD-9s, the Czechs and the German Kl 36s and Fi 97s, the worst were Italian Bredas - above 75 km/h, what was not scored (a new device - slots in wings fitted in Bredas, proved useless in practice).
| Top results of the minimal speed trial | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot | country | aircraft | speed | points | |
| 1. | Jerzy Bajan Jerzy Bajan Jerzy Bajan was a prominent Polish sports and military aviator, winner of the Challenge 1934 contest.-Early military career:... |
RWD-9S | 54.14 km/h | 83 pts | |
| 2. | Jan Anderle | RWD-9W | 55.24 km/h | 79 pts | |
| 3. | Ján Ambruš Jan Ambrus Wing Commander Jan K Ambrus OBE was a Czechoslovakian fighter pilot who flew with the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain.- Early life :... |
Aero A.200 | 55.88 km/h | 76 pts | |
| 4. | Stanisław Płonczyński | RWD-9S | 56.72 km/h | 73 pts | |
| 5. | Wolfgang Stein | Nazi Germany |
Klemm Kl 36 | 57.67 km/h | 69 pts |
| 6. | Fritz Morzik | Nazi Germany |
Klemm Kl 36 | 57.78 km/h | 68 pts |
One German and one Italian crews damaged their aircraft during technical trials (Bf 108 and PS-1) and had to quit. It was however the best ratio of crews to complete the technical trials of all Challenges. Generally, top places were taken by RWD-9s and Fi 97s, while Bf 108s, Kl 36s and PZL.26s proved average, and Italian machines closed a list with 559-801 points.
| Top results after the technical trials | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot | country | aircraft | points | |
| 1. | Jerzy Bajan Jerzy Bajan Jerzy Bajan was a prominent Polish sports and military aviator, winner of the Challenge 1934 contest.-Early military career:... |
RWD-9 RWD-9 The RWD 9 was a Polish sports plane of 1934, constructed by the RWD team.-Development:The aircraft was a further development of the RWD 6 - the winner of the IIIrd Challenge de Tourisme International Challenge 1932 international tourist aircraft contest... S |
||
| 2. | Tadeusz Karpiński | RWD-9S | ||
| 3. | Stanisław Płonczyński | RWD-9S | ||
| 4. | Hans Seidemann Hans Seidemann Hans Seidemann was a World War II Luftwaffe general. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves... |
Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 Fieseler Fi 97 |-References:* The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft , 1985, Orbis Publishing, Page 1812/3* -External links:*... |
|
| 5. | Gerhard Hubrich | Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 | |
| 6. | Jan Buczyński | RWD-9S | - 920 pts | |
| 7. | Stefan Florjanowicz | RWD-9W | - 919 pts | |
| 8-10. | Wolf Hirth Wolf Hirth Wolfram Kurt Erhard Hirth was a German gliding pioneer and sailplane designer. He was a co-founder of Schempp-Hirth, still a renowned glider manufacturer.... |
Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 | |
| 8-10. | Ján Ambruš Jan Ambrus Wing Commander Jan K Ambrus OBE was a Czechoslovakian fighter pilot who flew with the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain.- Early life :... |
Aero A.200 Aero A.200 |-References:*Marian Krzyżan: "Międzynarodowe turnieje lotnicze 1929-1934", Warsaw 1988, ISBN 83-206-0637-3 -External links:*... |
- 915 pts | |
| 8-10. | Jan Anderle | RWD-9W | - 915 pts |
Rally over Europe
The second part of the Challenge was a 9537.4 km rally over Europe and northern Africa, on a path: WarsawWarsaw
Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, roughly from the Baltic Sea and from the Carpathian Mountains. Its population in 2010 was estimated at 1,716,855 residents with a greater metropolitan area of 2,631,902 residents, making Warsaw the 10th most...
- Königsberg
Königsberg
Königsberg was the capital of East Prussia from the Late Middle Ages until 1945 as well as the northernmost and easternmost German city with 286,666 inhabitants . Due to the multicultural society in and around the city, there are several local names for it...
- Berlin
Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
- Köln
KOLN
KOLN, digital channel 10, is the CBS affiliate in Lincoln, Nebraska. It operates a satellite station, KGIN, on digital channel 11 in Grand Island. KGIN repeats all KOLN programming, but airs separate commercials...
- Brussels
Brussels
Brussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
- Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
- Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in the Gironde department in southwestern France.The Bordeaux-Arcachon-Libourne metropolitan area, has a population of 1,010,000 and constitutes the sixth-largest urban area in France. It is the capital of the Aquitaine region, as well as the prefecture...
- Pau - Madrid
Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. The population of the city is roughly 3.3 million and the entire population of the Madrid metropolitan area is calculated to be 6.271 million. It is the third largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin, and its metropolitan...
- Seville
Seville
Seville is the artistic, historic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain. It is the capital of the autonomous community of Andalusia and of the province of Seville. It is situated on the plain of the River Guadalquivir, with an average elevation of above sea level...
- Casablanca
Casablanca
Casablanca is a city in western Morocco, located on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Grand Casablanca region.Casablanca is Morocco's largest city as well as its chief port. It is also the biggest city in the Maghreb. The 2004 census recorded a population of 2,949,805 in the prefecture...
- Meknes
Meknes
Meknes is a city in northern Morocco, located from the capital Rabat and from Fes. It is served by the A2 expressway between those two cities and by the corresponding railway. Meknes was the capital of Morocco under the reign of Moulay Ismail , before it was relocated to Marrakech. The...
- Sidi Bel Abbes
Sidi Bel Abbes
Sidi Bel-Abbes is capital of the Sidi Bel Abbès wilaya , Algeria. It is named after a Muslim holy man who is buried there. It is the commercial center of an important area of vineyards, market gardens, orchards, and grain fields. It is surrounded by a wall with four gates and there is a...
- Algiers
Algiers
' is the capital and largest city of Algeria. According to the 1998 census, the population of the city proper was 1,519,570 and that of the urban agglomeration was 2,135,630. In 2009, the population was about 3,500,000...
(stage waypoint) - Biskra
Biskra
Biskra is the capital city of Biskra province, Algeria. In 2007, its population was recorded as 207,987.During Roman times the town was called Vescera, though this may have been simply a Latin transliteration of the native name. Around 200 AD under Septimius Severus' reign, it was seized by the...
- Tunis
Tunis
Tunis is the capital of both the Tunisian Republic and the Tunis Governorate. It is Tunisia's largest city, with a population of 728,453 as of 2004; the greater metropolitan area holds some 2,412,500 inhabitants....
- Palermo
Palermo
Palermo is a city in Southern Italy, the capital of both the autonomous region of Sicily and the Province of Palermo. The city is noted for its history, culture, architecture and gastronomy, playing an important role throughout much of its existence; it is over 2,700 years old...
- Naples
Naples
Naples is a city in Southern Italy, situated on the country's west coast by the Gulf of Naples. Lying between two notable volcanic regions, Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields, it is the capital of the region of Campania and of the province of Naples...
- Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
- Rimini
Rimini
Rimini is a medium-sized city of 142,579 inhabitants in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, and capital city of the Province of Rimini. It is located on the Adriatic Sea, on the coast between the rivers Marecchia and Ausa...
- Zagreb
Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. It is in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb lies at an elevation of approximately above sea level. According to the last official census, Zagreb's city...
- Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
- Brno
Brno
Brno by population and area is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, the largest Moravian city, and the historical capital city of the Margraviate of Moravia. Brno is the administrative centre of the South Moravian Region where it forms a separate district Brno-City District...
- Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
- Katowice
Katowice
Katowice is a city in Silesia in southern Poland, on the Kłodnica and Rawa rivers . Katowice is located in the Silesian Highlands, about north of the Silesian Beskids and about southeast of the Sudetes Mountains.It is the central district of the Upper Silesian Metropolis, with a population of 2...
- Lwów - Wilno - Warsaw. There were also 8 checkpoints, among others, in Tanger, Messina and Castelfranco Veneto
Castelfranco Veneto
Castelfranco Veneto is a town and comune of Veneto, northern Italy, in the province of Treviso, 30 km by rail from the town of Treviso. It is approximately 40 km inland from Venice.-History:...
. The route was far longer and more difficult, than in previous contests. Awarded were, first of all, a cruise speed on a whole track, then a regularity of flight. Three nights apart from appointed airfields or a cruise speed below 130 km/h caused disqualification.
The rally started on September 7, in rain, between 5 and 5.30 am. The Bf 108s could take advantage of their speed and were first to reach Berlin
Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
. That day 24 fastest crews reached Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
, flying 1752.4 km (10 Poles, 8 Germans, 3 Czechs and 3 Italians). The German Wolfgang Stein (Kl 36) and the Italian team's captain Ambrogio Colombo (Ba-42) had to land and quit due to engine faults. Several crews had similar problems, but managed to repair them.
On the next day, many crews, who started early, especially flying Bf 108s, had problems with locating an airfield in Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in the Gironde department in southwestern France.The Bordeaux-Arcachon-Libourne metropolitan area, has a population of 1,010,000 and constitutes the sixth-largest urban area in France. It is the capital of the Aquitaine region, as well as the prefecture...
due to heavy fog and had forced landings, lowering their cruise speed (on that occasion, Theo Osterkamp
Theo Osterkamp
Theodor "Theo" Osterkamp was a World War I and World War II Luftwaffe fighter ace. He flew in the first World War, scoring 32 victories...
and Gerhard Hubrich had problems with the local police). One Klemm Kl 36 was damaged during a forced landing and had to withdraw (Ernst Krüger). Most - 14 crews reached Seville
Seville
Seville is the artistic, historic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain. It is the capital of the autonomous community of Andalusia and of the province of Seville. It is situated on the plain of the River Guadalquivir, with an average elevation of above sea level...
that day, 9 stayed in Madrid
Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. The population of the city is roughly 3.3 million and the entire population of the Madrid metropolitan area is calculated to be 6.271 million. It is the third largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin, and its metropolitan...
, while last two crews remained in Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in the Gironde department in southwestern France.The Bordeaux-Arcachon-Libourne metropolitan area, has a population of 1,010,000 and constitutes the sixth-largest urban area in France. It is the capital of the Aquitaine region, as well as the prefecture...
, including Stanisław Płonczyński (RWD-9). Two Poles (Andrzej Włodarkiewicz and Szczepan Grzeszczyk on PZL.26s) reached as far, as Casablanca
Casablanca
Casablanca is a city in western Morocco, located on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Grand Casablanca region.Casablanca is Morocco's largest city as well as its chief port. It is also the biggest city in the Maghreb. The 2004 census recorded a population of 2,949,805 in the prefecture...
(3715.2 km).
On September 9 all crews, that remained in the rally, reached Africa, with Andrzej Włodarkiewicz and three Bf 108s being in the lead. 18 crews reached Algiers
Algiers
' is the capital and largest city of Algeria. According to the 1998 census, the population of the city proper was 1,519,570 and that of the urban agglomeration was 2,135,630. In 2009, the population was about 3,500,000...
that day (9 Poles, 6 Germans and 3 Czechs), flying 4774 km in total. Last two crews reached Meknes
Meknes
Meknes is a city in northern Morocco, located from the capital Rabat and from Fes. It is served by the A2 expressway between those two cities and by the corresponding railway. Meknes was the capital of Morocco under the reign of Moulay Ismail , before it was relocated to Marrakech. The...
, including Stanisław Płonczyński. Several crews withdrew that day: Fritz Morzik (the winner of 1929 and 1930 Challenges, flying Kl 36) had three forced landings before Algiers due to a fuel pump fault, also Szczepan Grzeszczyk's PZL.26's engine failed and he had a forced landing before Sidi Bel Abbes
Sidi Bel Abbes
Sidi Bel-Abbes is capital of the Sidi Bel Abbès wilaya , Algeria. It is named after a Muslim holy man who is buried there. It is the commercial center of an important area of vineyards, market gardens, orchards, and grain fields. It is surrounded by a wall with four gates and there is a...
. Other German Kraft Eberhard (Kl 36) withdrew in Spain due to wing damage, the Pole Tadeusz Karpiński (RWD-9) quit in Seville because of low cruise speed, and one Italian quit because of illness (Pierro de Angeli). On September 10 the rest reached Algiers, and thus 24 crews completed the first part of the rally. The Pole Stefan Florjanowicz (RWD-9) had to withdraw there due to engine fault.
The contestants left Algiers on September 11, after a rest, and 23 crews reached Tunis
Tunis
Tunis is the capital of both the Tunisian Republic and the Tunis Governorate. It is Tunisia's largest city, with a population of 728,453 as of 2004; the greater metropolitan area holds some 2,412,500 inhabitants....
that day. On September 12, the crews left for Palermo
Palermo
Palermo is a city in Southern Italy, the capital of both the autonomous region of Sicily and the Province of Palermo. The city is noted for its history, culture, architecture and gastronomy, playing an important role throughout much of its existence; it is over 2,700 years old...
, over the Mediterranean Sea
Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by the Mediterranean region and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Anatolia and Europe, on the south by North Africa, and on the east by the Levant...
. The flight was secured by the Italian Navy and the French floatplanes. 22 crews reached Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
that day, one Italian pilot withdrew due to engine damage.
On September 13 the weather was bad, but all but two crews reached Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
(7924 km). The fastest that day was Theo Osterkamp
Theo Osterkamp
Theodor "Theo" Osterkamp was a World War I and World War II Luftwaffe fighter ace. He flew in the first World War, scoring 32 victories...
(Bf 108), but other two Bf 108 pilots had forced landings near Trieste
Trieste
Trieste is a city and seaport in northeastern Italy. It is situated towards the end of a narrow strip of land lying between the Adriatic Sea and Italy's border with Slovenia, which lies almost immediately south and east of the city...
due to weather and spent night at Zagreb
Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. It is in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb lies at an elevation of approximately above sea level. According to the last official census, Zagreb's city...
, what lowered their cruise speed.
On September 14, sixteen crews finished in Warsaw, greeted by crowds, the first was the Pole Ignacy Giedgowd (PZL-26). Among them were five Poles, six Germans, three Czechs and two Italians. That day, the fastest Polish pilot Andrzej Włodarkiewicz (PZL-26) had to land near Tarnów
Tarnów
Tarnów is a city in southeastern Poland with 115,341 inhabitants as of June 2009. The city has been situated in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship since 1999, but from 1975 to 1998 it was the capital of the Tarnów Voivodeship. It is a major rail junction, located on the strategic east-west connection...
before Lwów and withdrew due to engine fault, also Walter MacPherson (Puss Moth) dropped out for the same reason before Lwów.
On September 15 last three crews reached Warsaw (Werner Junck
Werner Junck
Werner Junck was a German World War II Luftwaffe Generalleutnant and the one time commander of Fliegerführer Irak...
and Karl Francke flying Bf 108s and Piotr Dudziński flying PZL.26). The last to drop out was Jan Balcer (PZL.26) due to a compressor damage, before Wilno. Fritz Morzik (Kl 36), Tadeusz Karpiński (RWD-9) and Andrzej Włodarkiewicz (PZL.26) finished that day in Warsaw, after repairing their aircraft, flying off the contest.
Only 19 crews out of 32 completed the rally. The only team to finish in complete was the Czechoslovak one; apart from their A.200s, all Fieseler Fi 97s completed the contest. In spite of highest maximum cruise speeds, a result of fastest Bf 108s was hampered by low cruise speeds in other stages of the rally. Best results were obtained by pilots, who managed to maintain a good cruise speed during the whole rally. All participants, who completed the rally, scored maximal amount of 160 points for regularity, spending nights on appointed airfields only.
| Top results of the race | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot | country | aircraft | average speed | points | |
| 1. | Georg Pasewaldt | Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 Fieseler Fi 97 |-References:* The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft , 1985, Orbis Publishing, Page 1812/3* -External links:*... |
215.33 km/h | - 880 pts |
| 2. | Ignacy Giedgowd | PZL.26 PZL.26 |-References:*Andrzej Glass: Polskie konstrukcje lotnicze 1893-1939 , WKiŁ, Warsaw 1977 -See also:... |
213.33 km/h | - 880 pts | |
| 3. | Ján Ambruš Jan Ambrus Wing Commander Jan K Ambrus OBE was a Czechoslovakian fighter pilot who flew with the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain.- Early life :... |
Aero A.200 Aero A.200 |-References:*Marian Krzyżan: "Międzynarodowe turnieje lotnicze 1929-1934", Warsaw 1988, ISBN 83-206-0637-3 -External links:*... |
211.12 km/h | - 880 pts | |
| 4. | Piotr Dudziński | PZL.26 | 211.05 km/h | - 880 pts | |
| 5. | Theo Osterkamp Theo Osterkamp Theodor "Theo" Osterkamp was a World War I and World War II Luftwaffe fighter ace. He flew in the first World War, scoring 32 victories... |
Nazi Germany |
Bf 108 | 208.74 km/h | - 875 pts |
| 6. | Hans Seidemann Hans Seidemann Hans Seidemann was a World War II Luftwaffe general. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves... |
Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 | 208.28 km/h | - 874 pts |
| 7. | Stanisław Płonczyński | RWD-9 RWD-9 The RWD 9 was a Polish sports plane of 1934, constructed by the RWD team.-Development:The aircraft was a further development of the RWD 6 - the winner of the IIIrd Challenge de Tourisme International Challenge 1932 international tourist aircraft contest... |
206.89 km/h | - 868 pts | |
| 8. | Jerzy Bajan Jerzy Bajan Jerzy Bajan was a prominent Polish sports and military aviator, winner of the Challenge 1934 contest.-Early military career:... |
RWD-9 | 205.15 km/h | - 861 pts | |
| 9. | Jan Anderle | RWD-9 | 203.69 km/h | - 855 pts | |
| 10. | Kurt Bayer | Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 | 203.47 km/h | - 854 pts |
After the technical trials and the race, Jerzy Bajan held first place in the general classification with 1855 points, with Stanisław Płonczyński in second with 1821 pts, Hans Seidemann in third with 1813 pts, followed by two Czechs, Ján Ambruš
Jan Ambrus
Wing Commander Jan K Ambrus OBE was a Czechoslovakian fighter pilot who flew with the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain.- Early life :...
(1795 pts) and Jan Anderle (1770 pts). Bf 108 pilots were 12th (Werner Junck
Werner Junck
Werner Junck was a German World War II Luftwaffe Generalleutnant and the one time commander of Fliegerführer Irak...
- 1733 pts), 13th (Theo Osterkamp
Theo Osterkamp
Theodor "Theo" Osterkamp was a World War I and World War II Luftwaffe fighter ace. He flew in the first World War, scoring 32 victories...
- 1729 pts) and 15th (Karl Francke - 1715 pts).
Maximum speed trial
The last part of the Challenge was a maximum speed trial, on a 297 km triangular course. The trial was carried out on Sunday, September 16, from 4 pm, at the Mokotowskie airfield in Warsaw.Due to a handicapping
Handicapping
Handicapping, in sport and games, is the practice of assigning advantage through scoring compensation or other advantage given to different contestants to equalize the chances of winning. The word also applies to the various methods by which the advantage is calculated...
system, contestants took off in order of general classification, with proper intervals, and an amount of points given in the speed trial meant, that the first on the finishing line would be the winner of the contest. Each km/h above 210 km/h was awarded with one point.
The fastest were three German Bf 108s, with Theo Osterkamp at the lead (291 km/h). Next three places were taken by the Polish RWD-9s: Stanisław Płonczyński, Jan Buczyński, Jerzy Bajan and Henryk Skrzypiński, the later ex eaquo with Hans Seidemann (Fi 97). The Pole Ignacy Giedgowd (PZL.26) and the Italian Ernesto Sanzin (Ba-39S) had to land due to engine faults and scored 0 points.
| All results of the maximum speed trial | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot | country | aircraft | speed | points | |
| 1. | Theo Osterkamp Theo Osterkamp Theodor "Theo" Osterkamp was a World War I and World War II Luftwaffe fighter ace. He flew in the first World War, scoring 32 victories... |
Nazi Germany |
Bf 108A | 291 km/h | 81 pts |
| 2. | Karl Francke | Nazi Germany |
Bf 108A | 287 km/h | 77 pts |
| 3. | Werner Junck Werner Junck Werner Junck was a German World War II Luftwaffe Generalleutnant and the one time commander of Fliegerführer Irak... |
Nazi Germany |
Bf 108A | 283 km/h | 73 pts |
| 4. | Stanisław Płonczyński | RWD-9S | 255 km/h | 45 pts | |
| 5. | Jan Buczyński | RWD-9S | 254 km/h | 44 pts | |
| 6. | Jerzy Bajan Jerzy Bajan Jerzy Bajan was a prominent Polish sports and military aviator, winner of the Challenge 1934 contest.-Early military career:... |
RWD-9S | 251 km/h | 41 pts | |
| 7/8. | Henryk Skrzypiński | RWD-9W | 243 km/h | 33 pts | |
| 7/8. | Hans Seidemann Hans Seidemann Hans Seidemann was a World War II Luftwaffe general. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves... |
Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 | 243 km/h | 33 pts |
| 9. | Piotr Dudziński | PZL.26 | 241 km/h | 31 pts | |
| 10/11. | Gerhard Hubrich | Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 | 239 km/h | 29 pts |
| 10/11. | Georg Pasewaldt | Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 | 239 km/h | 29 pts |
| 12/14. | Wolf Hirth | Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 | 237 km/h | 27 pts |
| 12/14. | Ján Ambruš Jan Ambrus Wing Commander Jan K Ambrus OBE was a Czechoslovakian fighter pilot who flew with the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain.- Early life :... |
Aero A.200 | 237 km/h | 27 pts | |
| 12/14. | Jan Anderle | RWD-9W | 237 km/h | 27 pts | |
| 15. | Kurt Bayer | Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 | 236 km/h | 26 pts |
| 16. | Vojtěch Žaček | Aero A.200 | 224 km/h | 14 pts | |
| 17. | Armando François |  Italy |
PS-1 | 223 km/h | 13 pts |
Bf 108s managed to improve their positions, but first four places in general classification have not changed. The first contestants arrived in order: Bajan - Płonczyński - Seidemann - Ambruz - Osterkamp - Junck.
Results
Jerzy Bajan
Jerzy Bajan was a prominent Polish sports and military aviator, winner of the Challenge 1934 contest.-Early military career:...
and mechanic Gustaw Pokrzywka. Their success was not only a result of their aviation skills, but also of the technical features of their Polish-designed RWD-9
RWD-9
The RWD 9 was a Polish sports plane of 1934, constructed by the RWD team.-Development:The aircraft was a further development of the RWD 6 - the winner of the IIIrd Challenge de Tourisme International Challenge 1932 international tourist aircraft contest...
. Due to their victory, Poland had a right to organize the next Challenge in 1936, but it decided not to, because of financial reasons. The FAI proposed that other countries organize the contest, but Germany, Italy and France declined. The 1934 Challenge remained the last Challenge and the Polish Aero Club
Polish Aero Club
Aeroklub Polski is the Polish central association of persons practising air sports or recreational flying. It was founded in 1921 and is a member of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. It has a headquarters in Warsaw....
was given a right to retain a transitory cup.
| Pilot | country | aircraft | registration / starting number |
points: technical + race + speed |
= total | |
| 1. | Jerzy Bajan Jerzy Bajan Jerzy Bajan was a prominent Polish sports and military aviator, winner of the Challenge 1934 contest.-Early military career:... |
RWD-9 RWD-9 The RWD 9 was a Polish sports plane of 1934, constructed by the RWD team.-Development:The aircraft was a further development of the RWD 6 - the winner of the IIIrd Challenge de Tourisme International Challenge 1932 international tourist aircraft contest... S |
SP-DRD / 71 | 994 + 861 + 41 | 1896 | |
| 2. | Stanisław Płonczyński | RWD-9 RWD-9 The RWD 9 was a Polish sports plane of 1934, constructed by the RWD team.-Development:The aircraft was a further development of the RWD 6 - the winner of the IIIrd Challenge de Tourisme International Challenge 1932 international tourist aircraft contest... S |
SP-DRC / 75 | 953 + 868 + 45 | 1866 | |
| 3. | Hans Seidemann Hans Seidemann Hans Seidemann was a World War II Luftwaffe general. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves... |
Fieseler Fi 97 Fieseler Fi 97 |-References:* The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft , 1985, Orbis Publishing, Page 1812/3* -External links:*... |
D-IPUS / 19 | 939 + 874 + 33 | 1846 | |
| 4. | Ján Ambruš Jan Ambrus Wing Commander Jan K Ambrus OBE was a Czechoslovakian fighter pilot who flew with the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain.- Early life :... |
Aero A.200 Aero A.200 |-References:*Marian Krzyżan: "Międzynarodowe turnieje lotnicze 1929-1934", Warsaw 1988, ISBN 83-206-0637-3 -External links:*... |
OK-AMB / 52 | 915 + 880 + 27 | 1822 | |
| 5. | Theo Osterkamp Theo Osterkamp Theodor "Theo" Osterkamp was a World War I and World War II Luftwaffe fighter ace. He flew in the first World War, scoring 32 victories... |
Bf 108A Messerschmitt Bf 108 -Popular culture:Bf 108s and postwar Nord 1000s, played the role of Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters in war movies, including The Longest Day, 633 Squadron, Von Ryan's Express and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.-See also:-References:Notes... |
D-IMUT / 14 | 854 + 875 + 81 | 1810 | |
| 6. | Werner Junck Werner Junck Werner Junck was a German World War II Luftwaffe Generalleutnant and the one time commander of Fliegerführer Irak... |
Bf 108A Messerschmitt Bf 108 -Popular culture:Bf 108s and postwar Nord 1000s, played the role of Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters in war movies, including The Longest Day, 633 Squadron, Von Ryan's Express and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.-See also:-References:Notes... |
D-IJES / 16 | 895 + 838 + 73 | 1806 | |
| 7. | Jan Buczyński | RWD-9 RWD-9 The RWD 9 was a Polish sports plane of 1934, constructed by the RWD team.-Development:The aircraft was a further development of the RWD 6 - the winner of the IIIrd Challenge de Tourisme International Challenge 1932 international tourist aircraft contest... S |
SP-DRE / 72 | 920 + 836 + 44 | 1800 | |
| 8. | Jan Anderle | RWD-9 RWD-9 The RWD 9 was a Polish sports plane of 1934, constructed by the RWD team.-Development:The aircraft was a further development of the RWD 6 - the winner of the IIIrd Challenge de Tourisme International Challenge 1932 international tourist aircraft contest... W |
OK-AMD / 54 | 915 + 855 + 27 | 1797 | |
| 9. | Georg Pasewaldt | Fieseler Fi 97 Fieseler Fi 97 |-References:* The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft , 1985, Orbis Publishing, Page 1812/3* -External links:*... |
D-IDAH / 22 | 885 + 880 + 29 | 1794 | |
| 10. | Karl Francke | Bf 108A Messerschmitt Bf 108 -Popular culture:Bf 108s and postwar Nord 1000s, played the role of Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters in war movies, including The Longest Day, 633 Squadron, Von Ryan's Express and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.-See also:-References:Notes... |
D-IGAK / 15 | 899 + 816 + 77 | 1792 | |
| 11. | Piotr Dudziński | PZL.26 PZL.26 |-References:*Andrzej Glass: Polskie konstrukcje lotnicze 1893-1939 , WKiŁ, Warsaw 1977 -See also:... |
SP-PZL / 61 | 875 + 880 + 31 | 1786 | |
| 12. | Kurt Bayer | Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 | D-IBYR / 18 | 902 + 854 + 26 | 1782 |
| 13. | Wolf Hirth Wolf Hirth Wolfram Kurt Erhard Hirth was a German gliding pioneer and sailplane designer. He was a co-founder of Schempp-Hirth, still a renowned glider manufacturer.... |
Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 | D-IVIF / 17 | 915 + 819 + 27 | 1761 |
| 14. | Vojtěch Žaček | Aero A.200 | OK-AMA / 51 | 890 + 845 + 14 | 1749 | |
| 15. | Henryk Skrzypiński | RWD-9W | SP-DRB / 76 | 883 + 826 + 33 | 1742 | |
| 16. | Gerhard Hubrich | Nazi Germany |
Fieseler Fi 97 | D-IZUH / 21 | 936 + 763 + 29 | 1728 |
| 17. | Ignacy Giedgowd | PZL.26 | SP-PZM / 62 | 839 + 880 + 0 | 1719 | |
| 18. | Armando François | Italy |
Pallavicino PS-1 | I-FRAN / 42 | 801 + 747 + 13 | 1561 |
| 19. | Ernesto Sanzin | Italy |
Breda Ba.39 Breda Ba.39 -References:* Sapienza Fracchia, Antonio Luis: "La Contribución Italiana en la Aviación Paraguaya". Author's edition. Asunción, 2007. 300pp.... S |
I-LUDO / 46 | 559 + 723 + 0 | 1282 |