Was not happy with first release. this flies better than the last. Burgess Company – Burgess-Dunne - Model BD-5 -Swept wing tailless pusher biplane, ordered by the U.S. Navy Dec. 5, 1914.
Delivered in April, 1915 Acceptance at Pensacola was delayed due to performance problems resulting according to Navy’s own admission that “the original specifications were unduly severe for the state of the art”.
Two Place, side by side seating,, crew nacelle, no bustle at apex of either wing, Curtiss OXX V-8 100hp. engine, Price; $5,000. W/o engine, Built: 1
Specifications required a complete complement of aeronautical instruments and tools.
BD-5 AH-10 piloted by Lt. Bellinger on April 23, 1915 set the altitude record for seaplanes at 10,000 feet over Pensacola, FL
This aircraft was used to spot for U.S. Army Coast Artillery at Fort Munroe, VA on August 5, 1915. Special equipment: Benet-Mercie machine gun installed -- First U.S.N. aircraft armed with an automatic weapon (January 8, 1917) and bomb racks (in March 1916).
This BD was used for operational aerial gunnery and bomb tests. This aircraft was damaged in a collision with a schooner off Mobile. AL on March 7, 1916 and was rebuilt and returned to service on August 22, 1916.
U.S.N. Serial # AH-10