This hydroplane was built for Reginald deNoyes Thomas, a WWI naval aviator and director of the Thomas-Pigeon Aeroplane Corporation of Boston, Massachusetts.
The fuselage is spruce and ash ribboned all-wood construction with mahogany planking. This type of construction was said to insure safety, long life and reliability in all weather conditions.
This early biplane was built about 1920. Somewhat of a mystery, not much is known about its model, date of manufacture or creator. The engine is mounted over the fuselage and below the upper wing. The only control is a joystick, and it may never have been completed.
In 1914, the Thomas Company advertised aviation for sport, war and business. Their earlier models, the B-4 and B-5 were used as trainers for civilian pilots seeking thrills, speed and fortune.
This Thomas-Pigeon flying boat and the Pigeon-Fraser Albree Scout (ordered by the US Army in 1917) were found in the rafters of The Pigeon Hollow Spar Company in 1961. Restored by Tony Furukawa at Riverside’s Flabob Airport. This is another rare and one of a kind aircraft in the Yank’s collection.
| DISPLAY STATUS | COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | CURRENT LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Own | United States | Legends Hangar |
| PURPOSE & TYPE | MATERIALS | ERA & DATE RANGE |
| Trainer | Wood | Golden Age 1918 – 1939 |
| PRODUCTION & ACQUISITION |
SPECIFICATIONS | SERVICE HISTORY |
| MFG: Thomas-Pigeon First Produced: Gnome Rotary Number Built: 1 Armament: None |
Wingspan: 24’2” upper, 6’6” lower Wing Area: Length: 19’3” Height: 12’5” Empty Weight: Gross Weight: Powerplant: Thrust: Cruise Speed: 55 mph Maximum Speed: 76 mph Range: |
Delivered: 1920 |