On the Edge

Description

This Limited Edition print is full of unlimited action. There’s Sean D. Tucker in his Oracle Challenger III biplane, gaining altitude for his next maneuver. This is the second Tucker-themed print that Sam has produced for Eastern Aviation Fuels, national marketer for Shell branded aviation fuels in the U.S. Tucker became a spokesperson for EAF in 2012 and its logo can be seen on the side of Sean’s biplane. Down below are the grounds of the EAA Oshkosh Airventure 2012. All those yellow airplanes are Cubs, gathering at the big event to celebrate the 75th year of the Cub. Many other planes are parked after flying in from all over the country for the yearly AirVenture.

The biplane was carefully unloaded and brought into the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar, where it underwent reassembly by Smithsonian staff and Tucker himself. It is now displayed in an inverted position as the centerpiece of the “Thomas W. Haas We All Fly” general aviation exhibit, which opened in 2022. This exhibit celebrates the broad impact of general aviation, and the Oracle Challenger III serves as a symbol of aerobatic excellence.

The Oracle Challenger III biplane is known for its eight ailerons (airfoils raised and lowered to adjust a plane’s altitude) that allow the plane to perform all kinds of daring maneuvers. A normal biplane usually has four. It also has a 400-horsepower Lycoming engine. It was retired after Tucker’s final performance in October 2019. Its donation to the Smithsonian was made possible through a gift from fellow pilot and friend David Ellison, who purchased the plane on Tucker’s behalf to ensure its preservation.

Here is another print (on this website) by Sam Lyons of the Oracle Challenger III biplane: Industrial Strength – Even sitting still, Sean D. Tucker’s biplane looks awesome.

The 17” x 26” prints are available in a special Lyons Studio Limited Edition size of 20 Signed & Numbered and 10 Artist Proofs.