SILVER DART REPLICA
YEAR AND NUMBER MADE
The original Silver Dart was built in 1909
ACQUIRED FROM:
This replica of the Silver Dart was commissioned by the Canadian Aviation Historical Society and purchased with generous donations form the members of the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.
POWER
Water-cooled V-8 engine that developed 35 HP at 1000rpm and drove the propellers through a series of pulleys and belts.
PRIMARY USE:
First heavier than air powered flight in Canada and the British Empire
HISTORY:
The original Silver Dart was built by the Aerial Experimental Association in Beddeck, Nova Scotia. On February 23, 1909, this aircraft, piloted by J.A.D. McCurdy, made the first powered flight in Canada. McCurdy along with Glenn Curtiss, Alexander Graham Bell, Frederick w. Baldwin and Thomas Selfridge, was a member of the Aerial Experimental Association. The original Silver Dart weighed 800 pounds fully loaded with pilot and fuel. The Silver Dart was the most sophisticated aircraft of its time and incorporated many design elements that are still considered innovative today.
STORY:
In 1957 the Royal Canadian Airforce constructed a replica of the Silver Dart to celebrate the 50th anniversary of powered flight in Canada and it was decided to build a second one capable of flight. Wing Commander Paul Hartman was chosen to fly the replica and made nine test flights before the anniversary flight on Feb 23, 1959. He records that the Dart took off at 20 m.p.h, stalled at 27 m.p.h. and became longitudinally unstable at speeds above 40 m.p.h. On the Anniversary flight, a gusty wind threw the Dart up to about 30 metres before Hartman regained some control. He recalls that it was like “trying to control and a cardboard box in high wind.” John McCurdy, who made the original flight in 1909, was on hand to witness the flight.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
| # | Bid | Status | By | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $100.00 | - | - |
This auction closed on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 9:00:00 PM.
Shortly after winning your bid on any number of the planes included in the auction, you will be contacted by the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. Detailed instructions regarding how to claim your winnings, along with each of the included perks will be included in this email.
For any auction related questions, please email [email protected]
Closed on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 9:00:00 PM
Adventure takes off at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. This one-of-a-kind and interactive museum is located in the historic waterfront hangar of the Ontario Provincial Air Service, which was instrumental in the development of bush flying and forest fire management in Northern Ontario. Explore 24 aircraft exhibits (some you can enter!) including the original De Havilland Beaver aircraft and the CL-215 waterbomber. Learn about flight in the Children’s Flight Centre with hands-on activities the whole family will enjoy. See a viewing of Wildfires!, our award-wining film about forest fire fighting in the North! Find unique gifts and STEM-themed toys in our gift shop. Get inspired with a guided tour about the development of bushplanes and forest fire management – available daily 10am and 2pm. Get “buggy” with Entomica Insectarium when you select the Adventure Pass admission option. Our Event Centre is perfect for weddings, birthdays, and corporate and social functions. The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre makes an excellent day trip for school field trips and recreational bus tours.
