Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

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The Collection

Deperdussin Racer

1896-1913 - Pioneer Era
(Static Exhibit)

Country: France
Year: 1913
Engine: Gnome Rotary
Horsepower: 160
Wingspan: 19 ' 6"
Top Speed: 130 mph (209 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 992 lbs (450 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Reproduction

The company that would build the famous SPAD of WWI, produced a series of racing aircraft during the pre-war period. Société de Production des Aéroplanes Deperdussin created this machine in 1913. Its lightweight, plywood shell fuselage anticipated modern “monocoque” construction. Our example was built in the winter of 1974-75 after Cole and Rita Palen made drawings from the original in the Musee De L’Air. It was taxied, but never flown.

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Dickson Primary Glider

1919-1940 - Golden Age
(Static Exhibit)

Country: United States
Year: 1930
Wingspan: 34 ' 3"
Gr. Weight: 180 lbs (82 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Reproduction

This glider was designed in England by Roger Dickson. It provided gliding enthusiasts with an inexpensive design that could be built from a kit or from plans. A 1930 advertisement claimed that over 100 were in use around the world including in the US. By today’s standards, the Dickson primary glider offered modest performance at best.

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Etrich Taube – Model F

1896-1913 - Pioneer Era
(Active)

Country: Austria
Year: 1912
Engine: (Daimler: original) De Havilland Gipsy Major 1C
Horsepower: 145
Wingspan: 47 '
Top Speed: 65 mph (104 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 1760 lbs (798 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Reproduction

Igo Etrich’s bird-like Taube (Dove) was one of the most recognizable pre-WW1 aircraft in the skies over Europe. Designed in 1909 and licensed for construction in 1910 to Austrian and German concerns, the stable Taube proved to be reliable platform for training, reconnaissance, and even light bombing duties. Various models saw service with Italian, Austro-Hungarian and German Air Services until they were outclassed in late 1914. When Mike Fithian-Eyb discovered that his grandfather, Capt. Robert Eyb, had flown a 1912 model F for the Austrian Air Service, he embarked on 16-year mission to research, build and fly a full-size replica!

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Fairchild 24H

1919-1940 - Golden Age
(Static Exhibit)

Country: United States
Year: 1937
Engine: Ranger 6-390-D3
Horsepower: 150
Wingspan: 36 ' 4"
Top Speed: 130 mph (209 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 2400 lbs (1089 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Original

This sophisticated cabin monoplane is probably the most elegant aircraft in the collection. Designed to seat four, the Fairchild 24 became a comfortable and luxurious way to travel by air for the well-heeled. It is known for its pleasant handling, speed and reliable performance. Discerning buyers could choose between a Warner radial or Ranger inline engine. The Fairchild 24 remained in production from 1932 until 1948.

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Fleet Finch 16-B

1919-1940 - Golden Age
(Under Restoration)

Country: United States
Year: 1942
Engine: Kinner R-5
Horsepower: 160
Wingspan: 28 '
Gr. Weight: 2000 lbs (907 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Original

Reuben Fleet, the founder of Consolidated Aircraft Company in 1923, designed the first Fleet civilian model in 1928. Successive designs and modifications led to the Fleet Finch, which was developed by a Canadian subsidiary to meet the primary training needs of the RCAF in 1938. The durable aircraft rightfully earned the nickname: the husky, trusty trainer.

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Fleet Finch 16-B

1919-1940 - Golden Age
(In Storage)

Country: United States
Year: 1942
Engine: Kinner B-5
Horsepower: 125
Wingspan: 28 '
Gr. Weight: 2000 lbs (907 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Original

Reuben Fleet, the founder of Consolidated Aircraft Company in 1923, designed the first Fleet civilian model in 1928. Successive designs and modifications led to the Fleet Finch, which was developed by a Canadian subsidiary to meet the primary training needs of the RCAF in 1938. The durable aircraft rightfully earned the nickname: the Husky, Trusty trainers.

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Fleet Model 1

1919-1940 - Golden Age
(Active)

Country: United States
Year: 1930
Engine: Warner Scarab
Horsepower: 110
Wingspan: 28 '
Top Speed: 113 mph (181 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 1820 lbs (826 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Original

Reuben Fleet, the founder of Consolidated Aircraft Company in 1923, designed the first Fleet civilian model in 1928. This 1930 Model 1 was the first in a long line of rugged and reliable sport biplane models produced by Fleet into the early 1940s. The basic design remained the same over the years with various engines and minor external changes apparent throughout the evolution of the design.

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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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Fokker Dr.1

1914-1918 - World War I
(On Loan)

Country: Germany
Year: 1917
Engine: Le Rhone or Oberursel
Horsepower: 110
Wingspan: 23 ' 7"
Top Speed: 102 mph (164 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 1291 lbs (586 kg)
Original/Reproduction: Reproduction

Perhaps the most famous aircraft of WWI, the Fokker Dr.I was built in relatively small numbers. It was difficult to fly and only the best German pilots were able to tame it. However, in the hands of a pilot like Manfred von Richthofen, it was capable of lethal maneuverability. The “Red Baron” went to his death in a Fokker Triplane and the controversy surrounding whether he was shot down from the air or from the ground continues to this day. There are no known original Triplanes extant.

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