W. Starling Burgess : Massachusetts Aviation Pioneer
Object ID:
2015.11.56
VE Exhibit Label 1:
Model E
The Burgess Company and Curtis Model E was a Farman type pusher biplane with two wheeled landing gear or two central skids. There were seven built between September 1910 and February 1911.

It was designed by Starling Burgess and built at Marblehead to the specifications by Claude Grahame White. Its list price was $7,500. Its first flight was at Moulton's Farm in Ipswich in February 1911 and the Model E was named the "Grahame-Baby".

It had one and two place with wing extensions used for passenger flights. It was powered by either a Gnome 50 hp or 70 hp rotary engine with Chauviere 2 or 4 blade 7'8" propellers. It was equipped with a Burgess gate control operating front and rear elevators and ailerons, Greely Curtis deflectors and a Mea magneto.

Model E had a span of 27' without and 36'10" with extensions. Its wing area was 235 sq ft with a height of 7'10' and gap of 4'10". Its empty weight was 420lbs and gross weight of 655lbs. Its maximum speed was 55mph. Its wings and other surface fabric was Wilson and Silsby sailcloth.

The Model E was delivered to Hendon, England. These aircraft were modified at Hendon and most had nacelles added for pilot protection.
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Grahame White  Farman Biplane 1910Grahame White Farman Biplane 1910
Model E Grahame White BabyModel E Grahame White Baby