Albree Pigeon-Fraser Explained

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".

Surviving aircraft

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]

References

  1. Web site: Albree Pigeon-Fraser Pursuit - Holcomb's Aerodrome. Holcomb. Kevin. www.airminded.net. 2018-04-03.
  2. Web site: Albree Pigeon Fraser Aircraft in Focus. aircraft-in-focus.com. en-US. 2018-04-03.
  3. Web site: World War I (1914-1918) « Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. oldrhinebeck.org. en-US. 2018-04-03.