Форум Breguet's Aircraft Challenge

The Pigeon-Fraser was the first dedicated pursuit airplane contracted for by the United States Government. It was designed by George N. Albree and manufactured by the Pigeon Hollow Spar Company of East Boston. The first two aircraft were for delivery to the signal corp although they were not accepted after testing at McCook Field. One of which was a structural test article that was tested to destruction. The other is said to have crashed and burned on it's maiden flight in December 1917, killing the pilot. A third nearly complete aircraft was put into storage at the 'Pigeon Hollow Spar Company' after the contract was canceled. It was considered "too old-fashioned, unreliable, and slow" at the time and was shelved; however as late as 1978 George Albree insisted that he was a victim of an unfair consspiracy.
   Notable design features included a flat bottomed airfoil and an all moving tail. Instead of a hinged the elevator, the entire aft fuselage was hinged alowing it to deflect up and down to control pitch. The third and only remaining aircraft is on display at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome.