What was the best 1930's aircraft with...

In combat during the 1930's maybe the I16 ...during the 1990's and early 2000's at airshows definitely the I16 !

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1340974&stc=1&d=1307869105
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

900hp Russian built Wright Cyclone - 9 cylinder radial.

 

P-26A Peashooter

 

Biplane: Hawker Fury, first. Stearman C3, second Monoplane: Boeing P-26

 

Howard Hughes' H-1 Racer, perhaps?
.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

One of the best looking planes of all time imo. Saw it a few times in DC...very sleek.

 

Not 100% sure but it looks as if the H1 Racer has a canopy?

Schneider Trophy produced the Macchi MC.72 - must be a worthy contender although it had two FIAT V12 engines in a single element.

 

That airplane had a canopy. Still a great looking airplane but I wouldn't say " pretty". No way to replicate it again when all the R1535's are now gone. Tiny little twin row.

 

Why the requirement for an open cockpit?

 

I dunno, I think that was the criteria.
I keep wondering why engines are called motors and why wheels are called rims and why wheels are sometimes referred to as tires and why a PORCHE ( POR-SHA) is called a Porsh. And why I'm a peevish ol' man.

 

Hey there Don please have a look at post #1 - first line - sort of spells it out

 

Well, the Schneider Trophy was for seaplanes, but I don't think there was an open/closed cockpit requirement.

Did you mean to ask about seaplanes? Or just like open cockpit airplanes?

I'm still confused.

 

This is a broad answer, but to me, anything built by Brunner Winkle, Travel Air, Waco, Parks, Kreider Reisner.....

 

Yes! The Travelair is good but even with the name of Parks it would be second.