| Vought VE-10 | |
|---|---|
 Vought VE-10 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Flying boat |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Vought |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Number built | 1 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1919 |
| Introduction date | 1919 |
| First flight | August 2, 1919 |
TheVought VE-10 "Bat Boat" was an American biplane flying boat built in 1919 byVought.
Chance M. Vought announced the VE-10 at around the same time as work began on theVE-9. The aircraft had a short, 3-seat hull and was powered by a 90 hpCurtiss OX-5V8 engine.
The VE-10 made its maiden flight on August 2, 1919, with test pilots James A. Taylor, Jr. and Caleb S. Bragg at the controls.[1] Pilots of the aircraft noted that it was well balanced, easy to control, and had performance similar to many land planes of the time.[2] They also noted that it may have been able to perform stunts; an act that was rare for seaplanes at the time.[2] The September 13, 1919 issue ofAircraft Journal called it "one of the most promising commercial airplanes to make its appearance since thearmistice".[1] Despite the large public interest for the VE-10, Vought failed to sell any aircraft.[3]
Vought offered the VE-10 to theUS Navy, and "exhaustive" test flights were made byUS Naval Air Service Commanders McDonald and Griffin, andUS Army Lieutenant Colonel Harald E. Hartney. All three test pilots were pleased with the VE-10's flight characteristics, but as the Navy did not have a use for the aircraft other than unofficial flights, no orders were placed.[1][3] The final disposition of the VE-10 is unknown.[3]
Data from[2]
General characteristics
Performance
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
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