W.Green, G.Swanborough The Complete Book of Fighters

ENGINEERING DIVISION VCP-1 USA

   Designed in 1918 by Alfred Verville and Capt V E Clark, the VCP-1 (the designation indicating Verville-Clark-Pursuit) single-seat single-bay fighter biplane was built at McCook Field and powered by a 300 hp Wright-Hispano "H” engine. Advanced features for its time included a laminated wood veneer fuselage and I-type interplane struts, and the first of the two VCP-1 prototypes was completed and flown in August 1919, initially with an annular radiator and large spinner. A more conventional radiator and spinner combination was subsequently adopted, and the sole VCP-1 completed was eventually fitted with a 660 hp Packard 1A-2025 12-cylinder Vee engine to participate in the 1920 Pulitzer Prize Race as the VCP-R. Further modifications were incorporated for the 1922 Pulitzer Prize Race and the designation changed to R-1.

Max speed, 154 mph (248 km/h) at sea level, 152 mph (245 km/h) at 6,500 ft (1980 m).
Initial climb, 1,690 ft/min (8,58 m/sec).
Range, 298 mis (479 km).
Empty weight, 2,014 lb (913 kg).
Loaded weight, 2,669 lb (1211 kg).
Span, 32 ft 0 in (9,75 m).
Length, 22 ft 4 in (6,81 m).
Height, 8 ft 4 in (2,54 m).
Wing area, 269 sq ft (24,99 m2).

G.Swanborough, P.Bowers United States Military Aircraft Since 1909 (Putnam)

ENGINEERING DIVISION VCP-1/VCP-R/R-1

   The VCP-1 was designed in 1918 and built at McCook Field as a fighter, the initials standing for Verville-Clark Pursuit, from the designers’ names. Power for the VCP-1 was the 300-h.p. Wright-Hispano. Two were built (40126, 40127), but only the first was flown. It was modified for the 1920 Pulitzer race - which it won - as VCP-R by installation of a 12-cylinder 660-h.p. Packard 1A-2025 engine and enlarged tail surfaces. The designation was changed to R-1 in 1922.
   VCP-1 data: Span, 32 ft.; length, 22 ft. 6\ in.; wing area, 269 sq. ft.; empty weight, 2,014 lb.; gross weight 2,669 lb.; high speed, 154 m.p.h.