The 1930s truly were the golden age of aviation. Almost every aircraft manufacturer was testing the limits of aerodynamics and their imaginations.
The good people at Ryan were keen to test the properties of a pusher configuration. They hoped this unusual layout might lead to higher speed from increased streamlining as well as good stall performance. An engineering proposal with technical drawings was prepared.
However, the semi-literate typist preparing the proposal had trouble with the engineer-speak description of "reverse-mounted, air-cooled radial engine powered prototype testbed of pusher configuration"...
Since there were pictures, the typist sort-of got the gist of things and pecked out "Rear Ender" instead. This failure of modern education would, in the end, prove prophetic.
A prototype Ryan Rear Ender pusher was ordered by the Experimental Test Dept. in late 1937. Enhanced flight characteristics from the unique design were eagerly anticipated.
The twin-boomed wonder was powered by a nine cylinder Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp radial and could carry a crew of two along with various test instruments. View from the bulging, bug-like canopy was excellent but what was really eye-popping was the spatted, tricycle undercarriage.
These were the sleekest, most streamlined, spatted landing gear yet seen at Ryan and because there were three of them, they were even more fearsome than usual.
Flight testing commenced in late June, 1938. Things looked promising at first.
Then on July 5th, the regular test pilot called off hung over and a replacement was hurriedly assigned. The new test pilot had no experience with a "reverse-mounted, air-cooled radial engine powered prototype testbed of pusher configuration" and trouble loomed.
The pilot wasn't used to the engine being in the back and accidentally gunned the Rear Ender in reverse. In doing so, he backed into a nearby parked car.
As this was the first airplaine-into-auto accident where both parties were insured, things got a little complicated.
The owner of the car thought the pilot's insurance should pay because the plane hit him. The pilot thought the car owner should pay due to reckless parking. These forensic accident recreations were submitted as evidence during the long drawn-out claims adjudication process.
Finally in 1953 all outstanding claims were paid and the interested parties collapsed in exhaustion after 15 years of litigation.
Totally forgotten today except for apocryphal stories whispered in hushed tones to new claims adjusters, for one brief, shining moment the Ryan Rear Ender completely lived up to its name and then some.
Brian da Basher
