W. Starling Burgess : Massachusetts Aviation Pioneer
Object ID:
2015.11.65.1
VE Exhibit Label 1:
Model I Scout
The Burgess Company and Curtiss Model I Scout was a twin pusher hydro design equipped with twin floats. It was offered to the U.S. Army to meet the specifications for a coastal reconnaissance aeroplane. Burgess was given that order June 19, 1912. There was one Model I built. Its first flight was on January 1, 1913 and was delivered to the U.S. Army on January 20, 1913. The price was $6,150.

The Model I Scout was a two place tandem seat powered by a Sturtevant D-6 6 cyl water cooled 60-69 hp engine with two G.S. Curtis designed contra rotating Burgess 9' propellers. Its span was 39'9" and had a length of 31'9". Its gross weight was 2,038 lbs with a maximum speed of 59.2 mph. Its climb rate was 210 fpm with a 500 lbs payload.

Army flight instruction was given by Frank Coffyn at Palm Beach, Florida. The Model I Scout was then shipped to Manila, Philippine Islands for scouting duty based at Corregidor. It served with the U.S. Army Coast Artillery units based in and around Manila Bay.

The Model I Scout was equipped for two way radio communications, the first such operational deployment in the U.S. Army. This aircraft successfully accomplished its operational and training missions until January 12, 1915 when it was destroyed in a non-fatal crash. (Burgess Serial # I-35) (U.S. Army SC #17)
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Model I Scout HydroplaneModel I Scout Hydroplane
Model I At Palm BeachModel I At Palm Beach
Model I Coast Defense At Palm BeachModel I Coast Defense At Palm Beach
Model I Coast Defense Hydro At CorregidorModel I Coast Defense Hydro At Corregidor
Model I Palm Beach Coffyn PilotModel I Palm Beach Coffyn Pilot