Summary
The Albree Pigeon-Fraser was the first pursuit aircraft project for the United States Government.
| Albree Pigeon-Fraser | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Fighter |
| National origin | United States |
| Designer | George N. Albree |
| First flight | December 1917 |
| Status | cancelled |
| Number built | 3 |
Development edit
George Albree was awarded the first US pursuit aircraft contract in 1917. The aircraft was designed with a flat bottom airfoil and the aft fuselage was hinged to act like an elevator.[1]
Operational history edit
The first aircraft flew in December 1917, however it crashed on its first flight, killing the pilot.[2] The second aircraft never flew and was destroyed during structural testing. The third aircraft was not completed before the program was cancelled for being "too old-fashioned, unreliable, and slow".[1]
Survivor edit
The incomplete third aircraft was put into storage and in 1961 was acquired by the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome where it is currently on display.[3]
Specifications edit
Data from The Complete Book of Fighters[4]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 24 ft 0 in (7.32 m)
- Wingspan: 37 ft 11 in (11.56 m)
- Gross weight: 1,250 lb (567 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Gnome rotary engine, 100 hp (75 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 103 mph (166 km/h, 90 kn)
References edit
- ^ a b Holcomb, Kevin. "Albree Pigeon-Fraser Pursuit - Holcomb's Aerodrome". www.airminded.net. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
- ^ "Albree Pigeon Fraser | Aircraft in Focus". aircraft-in-focus.com. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
- ^ "World War I (1914-1918) « Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome". oldrhinebeck.org. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
- ^ Green & Swanborough 1994, p. 471