THE 98 SCHNEIDER CUP (Cont'd 1)

For the past 65 years, that place was quiet. 65 years that no engine noise disturbed the Italian Airforce center for speed tests. This is where the Italian aircrafts taking part in the historical Schneider Cup were made ready and tested.

This place, today an Airforce leisure center, found its original use back the time of a race: to improve aviation, in the honour of these who, at their time, were the actors of an incredibly fast development - the monument right is dedicated to them.

This historical place had a big advantage: a perfect security, jointly ensured by the Airforce, the Carabinieri, and the helpers. Full security for pilots, ultralights and visitors.

The 98 Targa Agello competitors were:

Riccardo Filippi Sky Arrow		Pasquale Russo Rans S7		Fabio Guerra Buccaneer II		Emanuele Antonini MPX 100		Marco Bonaiti Corsario MK 2
Giuseppe Arcangeli Sky Arrow		Massimo Costa Buccaneer II		Gustavo Saurin Corsario MK 2		Paolo Mariani Buccaneer II		Roberto Palazzi Sky Arrow

Even if the number of competitors was low, the variety of aircraft is interesting: the MPX 100 is a converted former agricultural UL with a good 10 years of age, whereas the Sky Arrow is a very modern one, the Corsario and Buccaneer being somewhere inbetween. Motor power varied from 64 to 80 HP.

The handicap formula took into account the registered mean difference between highest and lowest demonstrated speeds - which combines both the airplane's and pilot's capabilities, the wing area, the weight, as well as the power of the motor, and, of course, the speed on the triangle circuit, with 4 laps. This demonstrated that the "old" MPX 100 would not be the last !

The aircrafts raced 4 by 4, with a start each minute from the race's direction boat. Timing was started when the ultralight crossed the start/finish line. Left, the MPX 100 and one Corsario waiting the start signal, with the divers ready to help. The boat seen in the background brings the visitors that wished to see the whole race from within in the middle of the circuit.

Optical illusion: The ultralight just finished his circuit, and exits the finish line l'appareil going around the judges' boat. Seen from the ground, this brought a few exclamations in the public.

The Rans S7 during the turn near Desenzano's harbour. The turning place is made of a sailboat with, instead of sails, a red net. Competitors have to turn around it, external side.

CONT'D: PICTURES AND RESULTS

CONT'D: NEXT RACES

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