Verville-Sperry M-1 Messenger, AS68533, National Air and Space Museum (USA)
This picture is © Chris England and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: AS68533
Construction Number: Unknown
Code Number: A.S 68533/P306
Model Verville-Sperry M-1 Messenger
Operator: National Air and Space Museum (USA)
Airport: Washington - NASM Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center, USA - Virginia
Photographer: Chris England
Date Taken: 01/10/2007
Date Submitted: 10/12/2008
About 50 examples of this light aeroplane were built in the USA between 1920 and 1926, and used among other things for experimental airship hook on and release. This particular aircraft (the last survivor of its type) was originally a 2-seat Sperry Sport Plane, donated to the Smithsonian by World War I American ace and Eastern Airlines President Edward V. Rickenbacker in September 1957. In the early 1960s it was converted by the Smithsonian to represent the Messenger used in the Army's 1924 airship tests (c/n 22, A.S. 68533.) It is seen here being assembled and placed on display after restoration.
Picture ID:1145903