Following the end of World War II, Lockheed pilot Tony LeVier, along with a team of company engineers, began developing a sports aircraft. Their goal was to participate in the prestigious Goodyear Trophy race. This effort culminated in 1947 with the construction of the racing Cosmic Wind.
The Cosmic Wind was a single-seat, all-metal low-wing monoplane. It was equipped with a Continental C85 engine delivering 85 hp (63 kW), designed to maximize speed and agility in competition.
Design and Maiden Flight
The aircraft’s first flight took place on July 3, 1947. A total of six examples of the aircraft were built, with only four of them manufactured by Lockheed. The last one was assembled by enthusiasts in the United Kingdom in 1972, receiving the registration number G-BAER.
Over time, the aircraft’s original engines were replaced with more powerful 100 hp Continental O-200-A units to enhance their racing performance. This upgrade allowed the Cosmic Winds to maintain their competitiveness for years.
Racing Triumphs
In 1947, two Cosmic Winds secured third and fourth place in the Goodyear Trophy, demonstrating their potential. However, the most successful aircraft was the one sold to the United Kingdom, known as Ballerina (G-ARUL), which won the King’s Cup Race in 1964.
This British aircraft, G-ARUL, continued to operate until at least 2017, a testament to its durability and design. Its long operational life made it an icon of British air racing.
Legacy and Preservation
The Cosmic Wind registered G-BAER flew until 2010, while the American Cosmic Winds ceased operations even earlier. One of the American Cosmic Winds has been donated and is now part of the EAA AirVenture Museum collection, located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
This museum exhibit serves as a tangible reminder of the golden age of racing aircraft and the ingenuity of their creators and pilots.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Cosmic Wind |
| Wingspan, m | 5.77 |
| Aircraft length, m | 5.08 |
| Aircraft height, m | 1.30 |
| Maximum takeoff weight, kg | 385 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Continental C-85 |
| Power, hp | 1 x 85 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 298 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 257 |
| Practical range, km | 512 |
| Rate of climb, m/min | 762 |
| Crew | 1 |
Image gallery of the Cosmic Wind
