1945 Bowlus-Nelson Dragonfly Prototype – Rare Powered Glider Photograph

This original vintage photograph, dated December 21, 1945, captures the Bowlus-Nelson Dragonfly prototype — a rare American single-seat powered sailplane designed in the immediate post–World War II era.

Developed by famed sailplane designer Hawley Bowlus in partnership with Nelson Aircraft Corporation, the Dragonfly was conceived as a self-launching glider for the civilian sport market. The compact airframe featured a slender pod fuselage, mid-mounted wings, tricycle landing gear, and a nose-mounted Nelson H-44 2-cylinder engine. While promising in concept, the Dragonfly saw only limited production, making surviving images extremely scarce.

This photograph shows the prototype in a dynamic runway scene, emphasizing its sleek aerodynamic lines and minimalist powered sailplane design. The flat terrain and surrounding buildings suggest the image was taken at a California airfield during early test operations.

• Aircraft: Bowlus-Nelson Dragonfly prototype

• Date: December 21, 1945 (stamped reverse)

• Designer: Hawley Bowlus / Nelson Aircraft Corporation

• Type: Single-seat powered sailplane (self-launching glider)

• Format: Original gelatin silver photograph with period date stamp and “Powered glider” annotation

• Condition: Very good — strong contrast and detail, minor handling marks, original mounting corner marks

An exceptional and rare image from the golden age of American sailplane design, representing one of Hawley Bowlus’s final and most innovative projects. Highly desirable for collectors of aviation prototypes, glider history, and postwar aeronautical experimentation.