Overview of the WR-1
The Lovings Love WR-1, registration C-GSHJ, is a remarkable single-seat, gull-winged midget racing aircraft that embodies ingenuity, determination, and aviation history. Designed and first flown in 1950 by Neal Vernon Loving, this aircraft has earned its place as a standout in both design and performance. Its unique characteristics and the inspirational story of its creator make it a beloved addition to the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum.
Key Features
Design and Construction:
- Wooden truss fuselage covered with aircraft fabric.
- Gull-wing design with plywood covering.
- Fixed landing gear faired at the lowest wing point.
Performance:
- Engine: Continental C85, 100 HP, 4-cylinder, air-cooled horizontally opposed piston engine.
- Cruise Speed: 249 km/h (155 mph).
- Maximum Speed: 346 km/h (249 mph).
- Empty Weight: 322 kg (710 lbs).
An Inspirational Designer
Neal Vernon Loving (1916–1998) broke barriers in aviation as the first African-American and double amputee licensed as a racing pilot. His passion for aviation led to achievements as an airplane designer, aeronautical engineer, flight instructor, and aerospace research engineer.
Loving’s WR-1 earned accolades for its ingenuity and performance:
- 1951 National Air Races: Achieved a dive speed of 428 km/h (266 mph).
- 1953 Flight to Jamaica: Neal Loving flew the WR-1 from Detroit to Kingston, Jamaica—an impressive 2,200-mile journey for a homebuilt experimental aircraft.
- 1954 Recognition: Winner of the Most Outstanding Design award at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Fly-In in Rockford, Illinois.
C-GSHJ: Saskatchewan’s Contribution
The WR-1 at the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum, C-GSHJ, was lovingly built by Earl Elliott of Estevan, Saskatchewan. Constructed from plans during his retirement, it took Elliott nearly 20 years to complete this labor of love. In October 1995, the WR-1 took its first flight, becoming a testament to Elliott’s craftsmanship and dedication.
Earl Elliott (1916–2016):
- A skilled builder and founding member of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 154, Elliott constructed three aircraft over his lifetime:
- A Minicab.
- The WR-1 “Lovings Love.”
- A Turner.
In July 2021, this extraordinary aircraft was generously donated to the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum by Elliott’s family, ensuring its preservation as part of aviation history.
Legacy of the Lovings Love WR-1
The Lovings Love WR-1 represents the convergence of technical brilliance and human perseverance. Its history is as much about the aircraft as it is about the individuals who designed, built, and flew it. Visitors to the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum can explore this unique piece of aviation history, honoring both Neal Vernon Loving’s groundbreaking contributions and Earl Elliott’s dedication to aviation craftsmanship.
