Silver Dart

Aerial Experiment Association · Canada · first flew 1909 · light aircraft

The Silver Dart was a Canadian pioneer biplane built by the Aerial Experiment Association under J.A.D. McCurdy and Frederick Baldwin, which on 23 February 1909 made the first powered heavier-than-air flight in Canada at Baddeck, Nova Scotia. Its rubberised silver-coloured silk wing covering gave it its name.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• First powered aircraft to fly in Canada — Baddeck, Nova Scotia, 23 February 1909
• Pusher biplane with engine behind pilot driving rear-mounted propeller
• Rubberised silk wing fabric gave the aircraft its silver appearance

A typical Edwardian pusher biplane with forward elevator (canard-like), the engine and propeller behind the pilot, and an open framework fuselage. The silver wing surfaces are the name-giving feature.

Specifications

• The Silver Dart has a length of 9.14 m (30 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 12.22 m (40 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 64 km/h (40 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The Silver Dart was the fourth and final aircraft designed by the Aerial Experiment Association, a group founded by Alexander Graham Bell. McCurdy flew it successfully on its first attempt at Baddeck, and the aircraft subsequently made over 200 flights. Attempts to interest the Canadian military in the design were unsuccessful, and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair in 1909.

Variants

No variants; only one aircraft was built.

Where you'll see it

Never entered military or commercial service; demonstrated to Canadian military officials in 1909 without result.

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• AEA White Wing
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• Breguet Type I
• Curtiss No. 1

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