The Burnelli GX-3, also known as Uppercu-Burnelli UB-SS. was an American twin-engined,

mid-wing A monoplane is a fixed-wing aircraft configuration with a single mainplane, in contrast to a biplane or other types of multiplanes, which have multiple planes. A monoplane has inherently the highest efficiency and lowest drag of any wing confi ...

experimental aircraft An experimental aircraft is an aircraft intended for testing new aerospace technologies and design concepts. The term ''research aircraft'' or ''testbed aircraft'', by contrast, generally denotes aircraft modified to perform scientific studies, ...

which first flew in 1929. Work commenced on this aircraft during development of the

Burnelli CB-16 The Burnelli CB-16, also known as the Uppercu-Burnelli CB-300, was a passenger aircraft designed by the American company Burnelli in 1928. It was the first twin-engined aircraft to have retractable landing gear. Only one was built. Design and d ...

. Soon after,

Daniel Guggenheim Daniel Guggenheim (July 9, 1856 – September 28, 1930) was an American mining magnate and philanthropist, and a son of Meyer and Barbara Guggenheim. By 1910 he directed the world's most important group of mining interests. He was forced out ...

announced the Guggenheim Safe Aircraft Competition. Many manufacturers brought aircraft to this competition. The GX-3 was built in

New Jersey New Jersey is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York; on the east, southeast, and south by the Atlantic Ocean; on the west by the Delaware ...

, but did not arrive at the competition in time to participate. However, it was reported to have good

short take-off and landing A short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft is a conventional fixed-wing aircraft that has short runway requirements for takeoff and landing. Many STOL-designed aircraft also feature various arrangements for use on airstrips with harsh condition ...

capabilities and was able to operate at 200 km/h. The GX-3 had wings which were able to change their shape using flaps. The front wheels were smaller than the rear ones, and the aircraft was powered by two engines. The pilots sat in an open cockpit. The aircraft also incorporated Burnelli's lifting-body feature.

Specifications

References

*Levy, Howard and Richard Riding. "Burnelli's Lifting Fuselages". ''Aeroplane Monthly''. April 1980, S. 173f. * * {{Burnelli aircraft 1920s United States experimental aircraft Lifting bodies GX-3 Mid-wing aircraft Twin piston-engined tractor aircraft Aircraft first flown in 1929