The Curtiss-Wright model Travel Air B-14-B “Speedwing” was designed in the early 1930s as a high performance biplane for the well-to-do sportsman. This version was patterned after the earlier A-14-D “Sportsman” but had a more powerful Wright R-975 nine cylinder radial engine that produced 300 hp. The engine was housed in a close fitting NACA cowling. The aerodynamic efficiency coupled with the extra power, provided exhilarating performance. Its top speed of nearly 180 mph was better than many military pursuit planes of the day. The open cockpit biplane had seating for three. The pilot sat at the controls in the rear cockpit and two passengers could sit side by side in the front seat. However, the front cockpit is usually covered with a metal fairing that enabled the Speedwing to attain maximum speed. From its big, round, tightly cowled engine up front, over the slender wings and forward canted “N” struts, to its gracefully tapered tail, everything about the aircraft said high performance to the pilots and public of the time. Built in 1932, Speedwing NC12332 was one of only two built. The other was destroyed in a crash in the mid-30’s. This aircraft was originally owned by the president of the Curtiss-Wright Aeroplane Company. It was eventually sold to an aerobatic pilot who exhibited its outstanding performance to crowds at the pre-war Cleveland Air Races. It was owned by a number of pilots from the forties through the eighties. In 1984 the Speedwing was bought by Vernon Dallman, Jr., former owner of the Ala Doble Flying Ranch, who flew it at air shows throughout Northern California during the 1980’s and 90’s. His solo flight routine often included a comic character named Edna Mae Fenstermacher who was actually Vern Dallman in disguise.

(Source: Aircraft.com)