Engineering:Albree Pigeon-Fraser Scout

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Short description: American fighter prototype
Albree Pigeon-Fraser
Pigeon-Fraser Scout NARA 55163955.jpg
Role Fighter
National origin United States
Designer George N. Albree
First flight December 1917
Status cancelled
Number built 3

The Albree Pigeon-Fraser was the first pursuit aircraft project for the United States Government.

Development

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

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

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

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

  • Angelucci, Enzo; Bowers, Peter (1987). The American Fighter. Sparkford, UK: Haynes Publishing Group. ISBN 0-85429-635-2. 
  • Green, William; Swanborough, Gordon (1994). The Complete Book of Fighters. Smithmark Publishers. ISBN 0-8317-3939-8.