Gallaudet D-1

Overview

The Gallaudet D-1 was a prototype American biplane observation aircraft built by the Gallaudet Aircraft Company during World War I for the United States Navy. Completed in mid-1916, its manufacturer's flight testing was delayed by damage suffered during the tests, shortages of qualified pilots and the weather; the D-1 could not conduct its service flight testing until early 1917. The Navy found the aircraft only suitable for limited duties and operated it for several months before returning it to the factory later that year to have its deficiencies remedied. This was done, but the D-1 was never reassembled for unknown reasons and it was scrapped after the war.