Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

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The Collection: 1914-1918 - World War I

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Aeromarine 39B

1914-1918 - World War I
(In Storage)

Country: United States
Year: 1917
Engine: Curtiss OXX-6
Horsepower: 100
Wingspan: 47 '
Top Speed: 73 mph (117 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 661 lbs (300 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Original

The Aeromarine 39 was designed as a military trainer for the U.S. Navy. The first batch of 50 was provided with Hall Scott engines, which developed a bad reputation for catching fire. The remaining 150 (the “B” model) were equipped with the Curtiss OXX-6 engine, and the upper wingspan was increased. They were designed so the landing gear could easily be replaced with floats.

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Albatros D.Va

1914-1918 - World War I
(Under Restoration)

Country: Germany
Year: 1917
Engine: Mercedes
Horsepower: 160 - 180
Wingspan: 29 ' 7"
Top Speed: 107 mph (172 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 2017 lbs (915 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Reproduction

The D.Va is the refinement of a series of successful scouts. Manfred von Richtofen scored many victories, and was once shot down, in an Albatros. This reproduction was built in 1975. The original Mercedes engine suffered a broken crankshaft and was replaced with a more modern Ranger. It was restored in 2013 in the colors of Lt. Hans Böhning of Jagdstaffel 36/Jagdstaffel 76.

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Albree Pigeon Fraser Pursuit

1914-1918 - World War I
(Static Exhibit)

Country: United States
Year: 1917
Engine: Gnome Rotary
Horsepower: 100
Wingspan: 37 ' 11"
Original/Reproduction: Original

Only three of these machines were built by the Pigeon Hollow Spar Company in fulfillment of the first US contract for a fighter. The first was static tested to destruction, the second crashed, and the third was stored at the factory until 1961 when it joined our collection. It is unique in that the tailplane is stationary on the rear of the fuselage, which is hinged for pitch control.

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Ansaldo “Balilla” A.I

1914-1918 - World War I
(Static Exhibit)

Country: Italy
Year: 1917
Engine: SPA
Horsepower: 220
Wingspan: 26 ' 1"
Top Speed: 136 mph (218 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 2367 lbs (1074 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Reproduction

In 1917, the Ansaldo company designed the A.1 “Balilla” with the hope of creating a fighter version of its successful SVA series of reconnaissance and bombing aircraft. Though it had speed, it was far less maneuverable than contemporary Allied fighters and relegated to home defense duties. Post war, it found new respect, in the service of foreign air forces.

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Avro 504K

1914-1918 - World War I
(Under Restoration)

Country: United Kingdom
Year: 1914
Engine: Various Rotaries
Horsepower: 100 - 130
Wingspan: 36 '
Top Speed: 105 mph (168 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 1830 lbs (830 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Reproduction

The Avro 504 series is one of the longest serving military aircraft in history. Having been retired, several were pressed into service during WWII. Our Avro was built in 1966 for a British film. Production was never started and it was acquired for the collection in 1971. It is powered by a 110 HP Le Rhone rotary engine. A 2009 forced landing caused considerable damage and it is under restoration by a friend of the Aerodrome.

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Bristol F.2B “Brisfit”

1914-1918 - World War I
(Active)

Country: Great Britain
Engine: Rolls Royce Falcon I, II & III and many others
Horsepower: 190 - 275
Wingspan: 39 ' 6"
Top Speed: 123 mph (197 km/hr)
Original/Reproduction: Reproduction

By late 1915, it was evident that the RFC needed to replace the B.E.2 reconnaissance aircraft which were fast becoming easy prey for German fighters. It was succeeded primarily by the Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8 and Armstrong Whitworth F.K.8 in 1916-17. But perhaps the best all-around British two-seater developed was the Bristol F.2A, and later B series, of fighter-reconnaissance aircraft designed in 1916 by the British & Colonial Aircraft Co.

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Caudron G.III

1914-1918 - World War I
(Static Exhibit)

Country: France
Year: 1914
Engine: Gnome & Le Rhone Rotaries
Horsepower: 80
Wingspan: 43 ' 11"
Top Speed: 65 mph (104 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 1612 lbs (731 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Reproduction

At the start of the War, the Caudron was in mass production and used by the French army as a trainer and observation aircraft. For these reasons it was adopted for use by the Allies. Although a wing warper, it was very easy to fly and was removed from the front lines to become a trainer. Our example was built from one original wing panel and some pieces of cowling. It lifted regularly for many years but is currently awaiting engine repairs and new fabric.

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Curtiss JN-4H

1914-1918 - World War I
(Active)

Country: United States
Year: 1917
Engine: Hispano-Suiza
Horsepower: 180
Wingspan: 43 ' 7"
Top Speed: 75 mph (120 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 1920 lbs (871 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Original

The Curtiss JN series of training aircraft was designed for pioneer American aviator Glenn Curtiss by Benjamin Thomas, a former designer with Sopwith in England. Pilots trained in “Jennys” were the US contribution to WWI in the air. Thousands were built and after the War they became the favorite steed of the barnstormers. This “H” model was assembled from an incomplete airframe, missing parts that were discovered, and other JN-4s. It has been flying since 1969 and was totally restored to its current condition in 2001.

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Fokker D.VI

1914-1918 - World War I
(Active)

Country: Germany
Year: 1917
Engine: Oberursel Ur. II
Horsepower: 110
Wingspan: 25 '
Top Speed: 120 mph (192 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 1283 lbs (582 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Reproduction

The D.VI was a capable and nimble biplane that saw limited front-line service in the latter half of 1918. It is best described as a hybrid fighter that combined the tested elements of two of its more famous siblings; the Fokker D.VII and the Fokker DR.1 Triplane.

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Fokker D.VII

1914-1918 - World War I
(Active)

Country: Germany
Year: 1918
Engine: Mercedes D.III
Horsepower: 200
Wingspan: 29 ' 2"
Top Speed: 117 mph (188 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 1984 lbs (900 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Reproduction

The Fokker D.VII was so good and so feared by the Allies that all of them had to be surrendered by terms of the Armistice. It was extremely maneuverable, could fly at a very high angle of attack, and was exceedingly strong. Our reproduction was the last aircraft built by Aerodrome founder Cole Palen prior to his death in 1993.

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