Burgess Dunne

Burgess Dunne (Replica)

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Replica:  Mahogany, brass, fabric and nitrate  
Dimensions:  Wingspan:14.33m, Length: 90.22m
Max Speed:  89 km/h
Crew:  2
Role:  Observation
In service:  1914-1915
with the Museum since 2001. Acquired from Barry MacKeracher

The first Canadian military aircraft was purchased from Burgess Company in September 1914. This was the first licensed aircraft manufacturer in the United States that became a subsidiary of Curtiss Aeroplane in 1914. One of the company’s best projects was a tailless biplane with central floats for water take off/landing based on a prototype designed by English engineer John William Dunne (1875 – 1949). Henceforth this aircraft was known as the Burgess-Dunne. Several such airframes were purchased by the U.S. Navy in 1914, with a role limited to observing the enemy’s movements in the battle field.